SEOUL: A South Korean court on Tuesday issued an unprecedented arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces rebellion allegations linked to his short-lived declaration of martial law earlier this month. The warrant, along with authorization to search his office and residence, marks the first time such action has been taken against a sitting president.
Impeachment suspends presidential powers
Yoon’s presidential powers have been suspended since his impeachment by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on December 14. The Constitutional Court will decide whether to reinstate him in his functions or to dismiss him definitively. Experts say detention or searches are unlikely unless Yoon is officially ousted.
Accusations of rebellion carry heavy penalties
The probe, led by the Senior Officials Corruption Investigation Bureau, is looking into whether Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3 constitutes rebellion, a charge punishable by death or prison. life. Presidential immunity does not extend to such charges, although Yoon’s lawyer has dismissed the arrest warrants as “unlawful.”
Martial law causes political unrest
Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which lasted only six hours, involved the deployment of troops and police to the National Assembly. Lawmakers unanimously overturned the order, calling it an unconstitutional power grab. Yoon defended his actions as governance aimed at curbing what he described as the opposition’s “anti-state forces.”
Arrests and testimonies add pressure
Several senior officials, including the defense minister and the police chief, were arrested for their role in enacting martial law. Testimonies from military commanders contradict Yoon’s claims that the troops were only deployed to maintain order.
The political consequences are getting worse
The crisis has further destabilized South Korea, with interim President Han Duck-soo also impeached last week over judicial appointments. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok now serves as interim leader, tasked with resolving national division and filling vacant judge seats crucial to the Constitutional Court’s decision on Yoon’s impeachment.
Observers suggest the arrest warrant is a strategic move aimed at pressuring Yoon to cooperate with the investigation, but it remains unclear whether authorities can carry it out.
