Arrest warrant for South Korean president lifted

South Korean President Yoon Seok-yol has been released from custody. He was arrested on charges of declaring martial law and inciting rebellion. The Seoul Central District Court has granted a petition to protect the president, Yonhap news agency reported.

Martial law and impeachment proceedings

Yoon Seok-yol declared martial law in South Korea on December 3, 2024, saying the decision was taken to protect against the "threat of North Korean communist forces." However, the country's parliament overturned the decision a few hours later and accused the president of inciting rebellion.

The parliament then began impeachment proceedings against Yoon Seok-yol. The Constitutional Court must confirm the decision, but no decision has been made yet. The president will officially remain in office until the court's final decision.

Arrest and release process

Yoon Seok-yol failed to appear for questioning, and a court issued an arrest warrant for him. However, Yun Seok-yol was not arrested until January 15, when the presidential security service obstructed the investigators' efforts. On January 18, a Seoul court issued a warrant for his arrest.

He has been held in a detention center in Uiwang, south of Seoul, since that day. This was the first time in South Korea's history that a sitting head of state was arrested. The president's trial began in Seoul in late February.

Prosecutors' concerns and possible punishment

Prosecutors are concerned that Yun Seok-yol, once released, will attempt to destroy evidence and meet with people connected to the case. If the court finds the president guilty, he could face several years in prison.

For now, Yun Seok-yol is free, but his future depends on the final decision of the Constitutional Court. The next stage of the trial is being watched with great interest in the country. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!