A Seoul court granted the request to issue an arrest warrant, saying there were “concerns” that Yoon might “destroy evidence.”
A South Korean court has approved the formal arrest of President Yeon Suk-yeol over his decision to declare martial law last month.
The Seoul Western District Court on Sunday approved law enforcement’s request to issue an arrest warrant for Yoon after hours-long deliberations, saying there were “concerns” that Yoon might “destroy evidence.”
Last Wednesday, Yoon became the first South Korean president to be arrested. South Korean investigators investigating Yoon on charges of rebellion asked a Seoul court on Friday to extend his detention after he refused to be interrogated.
On Saturday, Yoon and his lawyers appeared before a court judge during a hearing and asked for his release. His arrest may mark the beginning of a long period in detention, which could last for months or longer.
He faces possible charges of rebellion linked to his declaration of martial law on December 3, which led to the outbreak of the most serious political crisis in the country since it transitioned to democracy in the late 1980s.
The Senior Officials Corruption Investigation Bureau, which is leading a joint investigation with the police and army, can now extend his detention for 20 days, during which they will refer the case to prosecutors to charge him.
Yoon’s lawyer can also file a petition challenging the arrest warrant issued by the court.
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