Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to be released

(CLO) The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Friday to cancel the arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, paving the way for his release after nearly two months of detention.

Immediately after the verdict was announced, the Presidential Office welcomed the decision and expressed hope that Mr. Yoon would soon return to running the country. Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin Suk convened an emergency meeting with senior aides to discuss the situation.

The interim leader of the ruling People's Power Party, Kwon Young-se, hailed it as "a momentous moment that reaffirms the rule of law and justice in South Korea." He also called on the Constitutional Court to make a fair judgment when considering Mr. Yoon's impeachment.

President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers his final statement during his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on February 25. Photo: Constitutional Court

The decision has caused mixed reactions in South Korean politics , with supporters hailing it as a victory for the rule of law, while opponents have strongly opposed it and called for an immediate appeal by the prosecution. Mr. Yoon’s legal team argued that an appeal may not be possible because the Constitutional Court had ruled that an immediate appeal in the event of a suspension of an arrest warrant is unconstitutional.

Mr Yoon was arrested on January 15 on charges of inciting rebellion after a failed attempt to impose martial law last December. However, the court found procedural errors in his detention, as the indictment was issued after his initial detention period had expired.

In addition, the investigation by the Office of Corruption Investigation for Senior Officials has also been questioned over its legality, as the agency does not have the authority to investigate sedition charges.

Yoon Suk Yeol, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested on criminal charges, has maintained that his December 3 declaration of martial law was necessary to deal with "anti-state" forces.

He quickly lifted martial law after six hours, when parliament rejected his proposal. Weeks later, the opposition-controlled parliament impeached Mr. Yoon, accusing him of violating his constitutional duties.

The Constitutional Court is expected to soon rule on the impeachment case, giving the final say on whether Mr Yoon can remain in power.

Ngoc Anh (according to Yonhap, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-bi-luan-toi-yoon-suk-yeol-sap-duoc-tra-tu-do-post337507.html