South Korea: Yoon Suk Yeol, deposed President, arrested for treason

In a video released soon after his arrest, the 64-year-old said: “The rule of law in South Korea has completely collapsed.”

Patrizia Chimera

January 15 – 09:12 – MILAN

Yoon Suk YeolPresident of South Koreawas arrested by the Seoul Anti-Corruption Agency (CIO). The accusation is betrayalfor the coup attempt organized on December 3, 2024. The leader refused to answer during the first interrogation, making use of the right not to answer. In a video lasting a few minutes, released after his arrest in the Presidential Palace, Yoon Suk Yeol made serious accusations. He had already been suspended from his public duties due to the impeachment proceedings for subversion and abuse of office.

Read also: South Korea, President declares martial law. “Opposition alongside North Korea”

Yoon Suk Yeol arrested for treason

He ended up in handcuffs South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The 64-year-old former national chief prosecutor is the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to be arrested. He had already been dismissed on December 14, 2024, for having proclaimed martial law in his country. The measure lasted a few hours, but threw South Korea into chaos. Later it was the Parliament a lift martial lawdismissing the Head of State and requesting his impeachment.

The police conducted a search for almost 3 hours before formalizing the arrest: entering his residence was not easy, given the barricades built outside. A previous arrest attempt had already failed on January 3. A motorcade then escorted the leader of the People’s Power Party to the CIO offices for questioning. During the interview with the investigators, the 64-year-old allegedly refused the cameras. Could be held for 48 hours: A new order should be issued to extend the detention. He is now in solitary confinement in the Seoul detention center.

Yoon Suk Yeol’s accusations

In a three-minute video released after his arrest, Yoon Suk Yeol is seen making very serious accusations. “The rule of law in South Korea has completely collapsed. I am truly shocked to see that illegality after illegality has been carried out and that procedures have been forcefully conducted under an invalid warrant. I do not recognize the ongoing investigation. As president, my decision to comply with such illegal and invalid procedures is not an acknowledgment but rather a desire to prevent untoward incidents and bloodshed.”

the reaction of the opposition

The South Korean Democratic Partythe Government’s main opponent, commenting on the President’s arrest, defined him as “the first step towards the restoration of constitutional order, democracy and the rule of law“.

Park Chan-dae added at a party meeting: “Although belated, it is indeed good that it can be confirmed that public authority and justice in South Korea are still alive.”



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