While attempting to execute a warrant for the arrest of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, officials said they were blocked by presidential guards, Yonhap news agency reported in Seoul on Wednesday morning.
“Investigators are in a standoff with the Presidential Security Service after serving a search and detention warrant against Yoon,” the agency said.
The officers were at the president’s residence to execute an arrest warrant linked to the declaration of martial law in December.
”Two CIO vehicles have arrived in front. [presidential] Residence,” Yonhap News TV previously reported, referring to Yoon’s investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office.
Conflict between government agencies creates tension
“The execution of the president’s arrest warrant has begun,” Acting President Choi Sang-mok said in a statement.
“This situation is a critical moment to maintain order and the rule of law in South Korea.”
If arrested, officers can detain Yoon for up to 48 hours on the existing warrant. They will have to apply for a second arrest warrant to keep him in custody for longer.
However, Yoon’s lawyers disputed the validity of the current warrant.
About 6,500 supporters of Yun gathered outside his official residence. Some ruling party lawmakers formed a human chain in an attempt to prevent Yoon’s arrest, Yonhap reported.
Investigators try for second time to detain Yoon
The Presidential Guard – who say it is their job to protect an impeached president – blocked investigators from arresting the South Korean leader earlier this month.
Yun’s declaration of martial law on December 3 as a possible means of attempting to remain in power, which would have left him facing arrest, imprisonment, and possibly the death penalty.
South Korea entered its worst political crisis in decades after Yun sent troops to attack the parliament.
rm, ss/jsi (Reuters, AP)