South Korean president arrested after thousands of police officers were sent to his residence

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was taken into custody on Wednesday, more than a month after the declaration of martial law sent shockwaves through the country.

Yoon defied a previous arrest attempt as his security forces and thousands of his supporters stood between police and his presidential complex in Seoul. In a second attempt to arrest Yoon, more than 3,000 police officers were sent to the president’s compound and arrested him without “any significant physical confrontation,” the US Corruption Investigation Bureau said. senior officials (CIO), according to CNBC. The IOC added: “This time, no individual or security personnel actively obstructed the execution. »

Yoon was questioned by officials and sent to a detention center after his arrest, the Associated Press reported. Before his arrest, Yoon said in a recorded video that “the rule of law has completely collapsed in this country,” arguing that the IOC’s investigation into his actions was “illegal.” The president added that he would gladly appear before the IOC for questioning to “avoid unpleasant bloodshed.”

Hundreds of Yoon’s supporters showed up outside the IOC office where he was being questioned, with some demonstrators holding signs reading: “We will fight alongside President Yoon Suk Yeol,” according to the AP.

The IOC obtained an arrest warrant for Yoon from a Seoul court late last month. Yoon is accused of abusing his power when he declared martial law and sent the military to the National Assembly as lawmakers were meeting to overturn the martial law decree on Dec. 3. He was later impeached and his presidential powers suspended. To be removed from office, six of the nine judges on South Korea’s Constitutional Court must vote in favor of his dismissal.

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The IOC has 48 hours to ask the court for a formal arrest order for Yoon, which, if granted, could lead to the deposed president being detained for up to 20 days before he is charged. A charge of rebellion and abuse of power could keep Yoon in custody for up to six months or when the court issues its initial ruling on the case, the AP reported.

Yoon declared martial law last month, arguing it was necessary “to defend the Free Republic of Korea against threats from North Korean communist forces and to eradicate brazen pro-North Korean anti-state forces.”

Yoon cited an unworkable relationship with the opposition-led National Assembly, which had targeted 22 officials for impeachment since Yoon took office in 2022 and, according to Yoon, planned to target 10 more officials. The president also cited the National Assembly’s national budget cuts, which he said “undermined core state functions and turned Korea into a drug haven and drug panic.” public order”.

Tim Pearce contributed to this report.