As the deadline for the arrest of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol approaches, investigators have requested an extension for the arrest warrant set to expire later today.
The suspended president remains at his residence, surrounded by loyal security personnel.
Despite multiple attempts to question him, Yoon has refused questioning on three occasions, and a failed arrest attempt last month saw hundreds of his guards prevent investigators from detaining him over a controversial martial law decree.
Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) confirmed they would seek an extension for the warrant, which is due to expire at 3pm Irish time today. Lee Jae-seung, the CIO deputy director, stated, “The validity of the warrant expires today. We plan to request an extension from the court today.”
He added that they had sought assistance from the police to detain Yoon due to the difficulties faced by investigators and would consult with them regarding the timing of the warrant extension.
Police have yet to respond to the request.
Yoon faces possible prison time or even the death penalty if arrested after briefly suspending civilian rule, which has led to South Korea’s most significant political crisis in decades. However, both he and his supporters remain resolute.
“The Presidential Security Service will protect the President, and we will protect the Presidential Security Service until midnight,” said Kim Soo-yong, 62, one of the protest organizers. “If they get another warrant, we will come again.”
The initial arrest warrant was issued after Yoon refused to attend questioning over the martial law decree. His lawyers have consistently called the warrant “unlawful” and “illegal,” vowing to take further legal action against it.
Additionally, the head of Yoon’s presidential security service has stated that he will prevent investigators from arresting the suspended president.
