Holed up in his residence, deposed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol resisted his arrest on Thursday for the third day in a row, promising to “fight until the end» against the authorities who seek to question him about his attempt to impose martial law.
The Senior Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is centralizing investigations into the December 3 coup, has until January 6 to execute the arrest warrant issued by a Seoul court against Yoon Suk Yeol, after the latter ignored three consecutive summons for questioning.
Since the arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday, supporters and detractors of the deposed president have demonstrated almost constantly near his residence in Seoul, insulting each other over the police officers who separate them.
“Delusional” message
Yoon Suk Yeol has shown no contrition since his dismissal, going so far as to send a message of defiance to his base. “The Republic of Korea is currently in danger due to internal and external forces threatening its sovereignty, and the activities of anti-state elements“, he wrote in a letter distributed to his supporters. “I swear to fight with you until the end to protect this nation“, he added.
A message “delusional“, denounced Jo Seoung-lae, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, the main opposition force, accusing its author of inciting violence.
The legal team of the ousted president, who is barred from leaving the country, has filed an appeal against the arrest warrant, arguing that it is “illegal and invalid“. IOC chief Oh Dong-woon warned that anyone who tried to prevent Yoon Suk Yeol’s arrest could face prosecution themselves.
A court also issued search warrants for his official residence and other locations. But the presidential security service has so far blocked investigators from entering, citing a law prohibiting searches of places containing state secrets without the consent of the person responsible.
Yoon Suk Yeol is currently suspended, pending the Constitutional Court validating or invalidating the dismissal voted by the deputies by mid-June. He therefore remains, on paper, the president of the country.
The crisis worsened last Friday when Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was acting as president, was in turn dismissed by Parliament. Presidential powers are now in the hands of Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who has promised to do everything possible to end the political chaos.
Since then, the deposed president has partially acceded to a request from the opposition by appointing two new judges to the Constitutional Court, three of whose nine seats were vacant. This court must rule by a two-thirds majority to confirm the dismissal of the president, otherwise he will automatically return to his chair.
Par Le360 (with AFP)
01/02/2025 at 8:29 a.m.
