South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained for insurrection charges after declaring martial law in December, as reported by the country’s anti-corruption agency, which already tried to arrest him without success almost two weeks ago. Yoon was suspended from his duties after being removed by the National Assembly.
The arrest warrant was carried out at 10:33 local time (2:33 Spanish time) after investigators entered the president’s official residence. In this way, it has become the first president of the country to be arrested.
The president has left his residence in a convoy towards the office of the anti-corruption agency (CIO). There he left the vehicle to enter the headquarters and be interrogated along with his legal representatives. Yes ok has refused to testify during interrogation, according to local Yonhap news agency.
He was going to appear voluntarily at the anti-corruption agency office
The first images of Yoon after his arrest were a video in which he stated that “he has decided to agree to appear to avoid unpleasant bloodshed”, although he considers that it is “an illegal investigation”. In addition, he has reiterated that the declaration of martial law was an “act of government” intended to send a warning to the main opposition party, about what he described as an abuse of legislative power.
His government team has reported that Yoon was going to voluntarily appear at the anti-corruption agency office, however from this organization they proceeded to arrest him since they were unaware of this intention.
On this occasion and unlike the first attempt, the personnel of the Presidential Security Service has not actively resisted to the execution of the order: “Today there were practically no physical confrontations,” a CIO agent told journalists.
Even so, investigators have had to use stairs to enter the presidential complex, since security guards have blocked their way with the installation of vehicles near the entrance. They were also denied entry by a group of deputies from the ruling People’s Power Party, as well as Yoon’s lawyers.
The police had deployed some 3,000 troops to ensure access to the compound, which was surrounded by both Yoon’s supporters and detractors. Emergency services have also had to go to the scene to treat a woman who has been injured.
He has refused to testify on up to three occasions
Yoon’s first arrest attempt It occurred on January 3 after the dismissed president’s security team prevented agents from entering the house in the midst of major riots unleashed by his followers.
Yoon is under court order after refusing to appear on three occasions to face accusations of insurrection and abuse of power within the framework of the failed martial law that he declared on December 3 and that unleashed a political storm in the Asian country.
