Why is South Korea's Former Prime Minister Hwang Detained for Alleged Insurrection?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hwang Kyo-ahn detained for inciting insurrection.
- Investigation linked to Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration.
- Special counsel faced challenges executing search warrants.
- Political implications for South Korean democracy.
- Public response is divided over Hwang's arrest.
Seoul, Nov 12 (NationPress) A special counsel team in South Korea has taken former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn into custody on accusations of inciting an insurrection following the martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Hwang, who held office under former President Park Geun-hye, made social media posts after the martial law was declared on December 3, advocating for the elimination of pro-North Korea factions and individuals implicated in alleged electoral misconduct.
Additionally, he called for the apprehension of National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and then People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon.
Members of the special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, executed a detention order for Hwang at his residence in Yongsan Ward, Seoul, after he disregarded three requests to attend questioning.
The investigation focuses on various allegations tied to Yoon's martial law initiative, which includes accusations of proposing martial law declarations, setting up detention facilities, conspiracy to commit violence aimed at staging an insurrection, and inciting such actions.
The inquiry into Hwang commenced following a complaint from an online news agency, and the team had made several attempts to search his residence, all proving unsuccessful as Hwang consistently refused entry, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
With his detention, the special counsel was finally able to carry out the search and seizure.
On October 27, authorities had previously raided Hwang Kyo-ahn's home amid suspicions of insurrection incitement stemming from Yoon's martial law efforts in December.
The special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, had executed a search warrant at Hwang's residence as part of their investigation into the martial law allegations, according to legal sources.
Earlier this year, in March, a civic organization had reported the former prime minister to the police for allegedly inciting violence among Yoon's supporters ahead of the Constitutional Court's decision regarding his impeachment.