A South Korean court rejected an appeal against an arrest warrant for President Yoon.

(CLO) The West Seoul District Court has rejected President Yoon Suk Yeol's request to overturn the arrest warrant and search warrant for the presidential residence, despite strong objections from his legal representatives.

This decision comes as the arrest warrant for Mr. Yoon, related to allegations of rebellion during the December 3rd martial law declaration, is set to expire at midnight on January 6th, and a few days after his legal team filed an appeal, arguing that the warrant is "illegal." The court did not disclose the specific reasons for rejecting the request to overturn the warrant.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Photo: Jung Yeon-Je

Earlier on January 3, approximately 150 investigators and police officers commanded by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Office (CIO) attempted to execute an arrest warrant at the presidential residence but had to retreat after more than five hours of confrontation with the Presidential Security Service. Tensions continued to escalate as the CIO considered options, including extending the warrant or requesting a new one.

Meanwhile, Yoon's legal representatives announced they would file a lawsuit against 150 CIOs, police officers, and South Korean Ministry of Defense officials , alleging obstruction of duty and violations of military security laws. Conversely, police requested that presidential security officials appear in court for investigation into obstruction of duty, but these officials refused to cooperate.

The main opposition demanded that the CIO expedite Yoon's arrest, accusing the government of obstructing investigators from carrying out their duties. Meanwhile, conservative politicians accused the CIO of exceeding its authority and using illegal coercive measures.

The controversy raises questions about the CIO's authority to investigate allegations of rebellion. In the event of a successful arrest, the CIO would have 48 hours to question Mr. Yoon or would have to seek a new warrant to extend his detention to a maximum of 20 days.

The situation remains tense as both sides resort to legal and political measures to defend their positions, amidst a constitutional crisis and controversy over judicial authority in South Korea.

Ngoc Anh (according to Yonhap, Korea Herald)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/toa-an-han-quoc-bac-don-khang-cao-lenh-bat-giu-tong-thong-yoon-post329076.html