Investigators have until January 6 to execute the warrant on suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol|NASA HQ PHOTO|CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
A Seoul court has issued an arrest warrant for suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached after he imposed martial law early this month.
It is the first time in South Korean history that an arrest warrant has been issued for an incumbent president.
Investigators have until January 6 to execute the warrant, though resistance from Yoon’s security and protesters may prevent this.
Yoon imposed martial law on December 3, which saw the country plunge into a political crisis. He was forced to lift the declaration after just six hours. His presidential powers were suspended after he was impeached on December 14.
Embattled Yoon faces charges of abuse of authority and insurrection. His impeachment could be overturned by South Korea’s constitutional court, where a decision is pending.