South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol will appear at a hearing in a Seoul court on Saturday to oppose his formal arrest over last month’s imposition of martial law, according to his lawyers.
Yoon, detained since Wednesday following a large-scale police operation at his home, could face rebellion charges. These charges stem from his December 3 martial law declaration, triggering the nation’s gravest political turmoil since its democratic transition in the late 1980s.
The corruption investigation office for high-ranking officials, leading a joint investigation with police and the military, requested the Seoul Western District Court to grant a warrant for Yoon’s formal arrest.
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At a hearing set for 2 pm (local time), Yoon is expected to argue against the need for his custody during the investigation. The judge is anticipated to make a decision by late Saturday or early Sunday.
Outside the courthouse, a gathering of Yoon’s supporters demonstrated throughout the night, demanding his release.
Should the arrest warrant be granted, investigators may hold Yoon for up to 20 days whilst preparing to transfer the case to prosecutors for indictment. A rejection of the warrant would result in Yoon’s release and return home.
The crisis began when Yoon, in an attempt to break through legislative gridlock, imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. The standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure. On December 14, the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him.