S. Korea's Yoon poised to avoid arrest as warrant deadline approaches
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Anti-graft investigators had requested an extension to the warrant, which was due to expire at 3:00 PM GMT, citing difficulties in executing the arrest.
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An image depicting an imprisoned South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is displayed during a rally to demand his impeachment outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on December 13, 2024 (AP)
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared likely to avoid arrest before the Monday night deadline, as anti-corruption investigators requested additional time to execute the warrant, which was due to expire at 3:00 PM GMT, citing difficulties in executing the arrest.
The former prosecutor, who was impeached after a failed martial law decree last month, has refused to appear for questioning three times and remains at his residence, guarded by hundreds of security personnel preventing his arrest.
"The validity of the warrant expires today. We plan to request an extension from the court today," said Lee Jae-seung, deputy director of the Chief Investigation Office (CIO). However, Yoon's legal team has disputed Lee's authority.
The extension request was formally submitted on Monday evening, and the court can grant an extension up until the midnight deadline. If the warrant expires, investigators could apply for a new one.
Driving the news
The anti-graft officials have faced significant resistance, including the presence of hundreds of security forces when they attempted to enter Yoon's presidential compound on Friday.
"We will consider the option of arresting any personnel from the Presidential Security Service during the execution of the second warrant," a police official, who requested anonymity, said on Monday.
The opposition Democratic Party has also called for the disbandment of the security service protecting Yoon.
If Yoon is arrested, he will become the first sitting president in South Korean history to face such a fate. However, authorities would have just 48 hours to either request another arrest warrant to keep him in detention or release him.
While investigators have been unable to reach Yoon, they have pursued top military officials involved in the martial law plan.
On Monday, the prosecution's martial law special investigation unit indicted Defence Intelligence Commander Moon Sang-ho on charges related to insurrection and abuse of power.
If convicted of insurrection, Yoon could face imprisonment or even the death penalty for briefly suspending civilian rule and triggering South Korea's worst political crisis in decades.
However, both Yoon and his supporters have remained defiant. "We will protect the Presidential Security Service till midnight," said Kim Soo-yong, 62, one of the protest organizers. "If they get another warrant, we will come again."
Protesters call for immediate arrest
On Monday morning, dozens of Yoon's supporters from the People Power Party gathered outside his presidential residence, while police blocked nearby roads. "I've been here longer than the CIO now. It doesn't make sense why they can't do it. They need to arrest him immediately," said Kim Ah-young, a protest organizer opposed to Yoon.
The initial warrant was issued after Yoon refused to emerge for questioning about his martial law decree. Yoon's lawyers have repeatedly called the warrant "unlawful" and "illegal", and vowed to take further legal action.
South Korea's Constitutional Court has scheduled Yoon's impeachment trial to begin on January 14. If Yoon does not attend, the trial will proceed in his absence.
A prosecutor's report for Yoon's former defense minister, seen by AFP on Sunday, revealed that Yoon ignored objections from key cabinet ministers regarding the failed martial law attempt—a factor the court may consider.
The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to decide whether to dismiss Yoon or restore his presidential powers. Notably, former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye never attended their own impeachment trials.
Read more: South Korea's Yoon vows to 'fight until end'
