A South Korean court has canceled the impeachment of arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol, freeing him from detention. The Seoul Central District Court on Friday declared that the detention of Yoon was illegal because prosecutors had delayed his indictment.
Yoon’s attorneys last month filed a motion claiming that his arrest was illegal because prosecutors did not indict him within the time limit. The court concurred, saying, “It is reasonable to conclude that the indictment was filed after the defendant’s detention period had expired.”
“To ensure procedural clarity and eliminate any doubts regarding the legality of the investigative process, it would be appropriate to issue a decision to cancel the detention,” said the court in its decision.
Political Turmoil and Yoon Suk Yeol Charges
The former prosecutor was responsible for triggering a national crisis last December when he temporarily suspended civilian government and sent soldiers to the South Korean legislature. Legislators quickly rejected his declaration of martial law and went on to impeach him.
Yoon Suk Yeol, 64, stands accused of rebellion for his bid to stage a military takeover. Following two weeks of fighting arrest in a standoff at his official Seoul residence, he was finally arrested on January 15.
Impeachment Trial at Constitutional Court: The next steps
Even after his release, Yoon Suk Yeol remains subject to an impeachment trial at South Korea’s Constitutional Court. The court will decide if his ouster from office will be confirmed, a ruling that could define the nation’s politics for years to come.
The case is being followed closely by observers, with possible ramifications for South Korea’s democratic institutions and government. The ruling against Yoon’s detention does not clear him of the charges, and he continues to be under investigation as the legal process continues.
