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Developing Story: South Korean President Faces Arrest Over Martial Law Declaration

In a historic turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is facing detention as authorities executed an arrest warrant linked to his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. This move has escalated South Korea’s political crisis, marking Yoon as potentially the first sitting president in the nation’s history to be arrested.

Early Friday morning, a contingent of police and anticorruption investigators entered Yoon’s Seoul residence to enforce the warrant, issued following suspicions of insurrection and abuse of power. The Corruption Investigation Office stated, “The execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol has begun.” If apprehended, Yoon could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty for insurrection.

Since a Seoul court approved the arrest, speculation has surrounded the timing and manner of Yoon’s custody. His attorney, Yoon Kap-keun, has denounced the warrant as illegal and signaled intentions to take legal action against its execution. Yoon’s legal team has also sought an injunction to halt the warrant pending the Constitutional Court’s decision on his impeachment.

The atmosphere outside his residence remains charged, with thousands of supporters rallying for Yoon, chanting for his protection and denouncing the perceived illegality of the warrant. Authorities have deployed approximately 2,700 police to maintain order amid growing tensions between pro and anti-Yoon factions.

Since his suspension on December 14 following impeachment proceedings, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has been acting president. The Constitutional Court now holds the authority to either uphold Yoon’s impeachment or restore his presidential powers, with rulings expected within a six-month window.

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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com