SEOUL, Jan 15 (Alliance News): South Korean authorities on Wednesday arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over allegations of insurrection, marking the first time an incumbent leader has been taken into custody in the country.
Yoon stated he agreed to comply with investigations to avoid potential “bloodshed,” ending a tense standoff that had gripped the nation for weeks.
The embattled president had been holed up in his hillside residence since lawmakers voted to remove him from office on December 3 following his brief declaration of martial law. A small security detail had previously thwarted attempts to arrest him.
Early Wednesday, over 3,000 police officers advanced on Yoon’s residence. The former leader, in a statement, said he surrendered to prevent violence.
“When I saw them break into the security area using firefighting equipment today, I decided to respond to the CIO’s investigation — despite it being an illegal investigation — to prevent unsavoury bloodshed,” Yoon declared.
Yoon was transported in a motorcade to the offices of the anti-corruption agency leading the investigation. Officials now have 48 hours to question him before seeking a warrant for his detention of up to 20 days or releasing him.
Yoon’s legal team contends that his arrest is unlawful and a deliberate attempt to publicly shame him. South Korea has a history of prosecuting former presidents, but this arrest highlights unprecedented developments for the nation’s democracy.