Arrest Warrants Pursued for Two Officials in South Korea Amid Impeachment Controversy
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Synopsis
On March 18, South Korean prosecutors requested arrest warrants for two senior officials from the Presidential Security Service accused of obstructing the investigation into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The request follows increasing tensions ahead of a crucial ruling by the Constitutional Court regarding Yoon's impeachment.
Key Takeaways
- Prosecutors filed for arrest warrants for two PSS officials.
- They are accused of obstructing an investigation into President Yoon.
- Concerns over social unrest are rising.
- The Constitutional Court is set to rule on Yoon's impeachment.
- Large-scale protests have occurred across South Korea.
Seoul, March 18 (NationPress) Prosecutors in South Korea have sought arrest warrants for two high-ranking officials from the Presidential Security Service (PSS) who are accused of hindering investigators' efforts to apprehend the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, officials reported on Tuesday.
The Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office submitted the request to the Seoul Western District Court to detain acting PSS chief Kim Seong-hoon and Lee Kwang-woo, the head of the bodyguard division, as stated by the National Office of Investigation.
Kim and Lee are charged with obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant for Yoon issued in January, making unjust personnel decisions, and directing subordinates to erase records of telephone conversations between Yoon and military leaders related to the martial law declaration on December 3.
This request came just a day after police had again sought warrants for the arrest of the two senior PSS officials, according to Yonhap news agency.
Previously, prosecutors had declined police requests to pursue arrest warrants for the PSS officials on three occasions.
Earlier that day, Acting President Choi Sang-mok urged the public to respect the forthcoming ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, amid rising fears of social conflict.
"I earnestly call on the public to honor and accept whatever the Constitutional Court decides," Choi stated during a Cabinet meeting.
"As tensions escalate between supporters and detractors ahead of this critical decision from the Constitutional Court, worries about potential violence and confrontations are increasing," he added.
His remarks came as the Constitutional Court is set to determine whether to reinstate or dismiss Yoon from office following his impeachment linked to a brief martial law declaration on December 3.
A final ruling is expected later this week.
As the decision approaches, significant protests and rallies, both in favor of and against Yoon's ousting, occurred over the weekend in major urban areas across the nation.
While the demonstrations concluded without major incidents, there are growing concerns regarding possible violence following the ruling.
If Yoon is removed, a snap presidential election will be necessary within 60 days. Conversely, if he is reinstated, he will complete his term, which lasts until May 2027.
