South Korea: CIO Requests Police Action to Detain Impeached President Yoon
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Seoul, Jan 6 (NationPress) The South Korean anti-corruption agency has formally requested the police to take charge of implementing a warrant for the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law, both parties confirmed on Monday.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) submitted this request in an official correspondence late Sunday, just one day before the warrant's expiration, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"The CIO sent us an official letter requesting our cooperation without prior discussions," a police representative told Yonhap News Agency. "We are currently conducting an internal legal review."
The CIO had suspended the execution of the warrant last Friday following an extended standoff with presidential security personnel at the presidential residence.
The agency has been collaborating with the police and the defense ministry's investigation unit to carry out a joint investigation into Yoon's brief imposition of martial law on December 3.
As the warrant was set to expire at midnight, it was anticipated that the CIO might attempt a second detainment of Yoon or seek an extension, among other alternatives.
Insiders indicated that the CIO's letter has led to grievances within the police, who felt the agency was attempting to offload its responsibilities after passively executing the warrant last Friday.
Yoon's legal representatives have dismissed the warrant as illegal and invalid, arguing that the CIO lacks the authority to investigate charges of insurrection related to Yoon's martial law decree.
Earlier on Sunday, a Seoul court rejected Yoon's injunction aimed at nullifying the court warrants for his detention and the search of the Presidential residence, according to court officials.
The Seoul Western District Court reached this conclusion shortly after Yoon's legal team filed an objection to suspend the warrants, labeling them as "illegal."
Yoon's attorneys indicated they might consider appealing the ruling.
"We will contemplate whether to appeal to the Supreme Court," said Yun Gap-geun, Yoon's lawyer. "The dismissal does not imply that the warrants are legally valid."
The same court had sanctioned the warrant to detain Yoon for interrogation concerning his involvement in the failed martial law attempt on December 3. Additionally, it authorized a warrant to search the presidential residence in central Seoul.
