The presidential security service refuses to cooperate in the arrest of former South Korean leader Jun Suk Jeol, Reuters reported. It was also revealed that Jun ignored the objections of ministers who warned that martial law, which Jun imposed for several hours on December 3, would have a “devastating” impact on the country.
The presidential services justify their decision with the ongoing legal debate surrounding the arrest warrant for the former head of state.
The arrest warrant is valid until Monday
Also on Sunday, a court in Seoul rejected a request by Jun's defense team to invalidate orders to detain the politician on charges of coup d'état and abuse of power, as well as a search of the presidential residence, court officials said, without providing further details. The former leader's lawyers believe these actions were “unlawful.”
Additionally, a lawyer June announced that he would submit a complaint to the prosecutor's office, demanding the initiation of an investigation against the head of the office for corruption investigations against the highest-ranking officials (CIO) for attempting to arrest the former head of state.
According to reports from the South Korean Yonhap news agency, the investigative services will most likely refrain from making another attempt to arrest Jun on Sunday due to heavy snowfall in Seoul and the fact that they did not receive a response to the request to convince the presidential security to cooperate in the detention of the former leader, addressed to the Minister of Finance on Saturday. , and at the same time acting president Choi Sang Mok.
Since the arrest warrant is valid until Monday, the CIO is considering all options, including retrying on the last day, applying for an extension of the current order or filing a new arrest request, Yonhap said.
A banner calling for Yun's arrest on a road in SeoulPAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
The president ignored ministers before imposing martial law
In turn, AFP revealed that Jun ignored the objections of key ministers of his government before deciding to impose martial law on December 3 last year. According to the prosecutor's report, politicians expressed concerns about the economic and diplomatic consequences during a cabinet meeting convened before the decree was announced.
Finance Minister Tchoi argued that the decision would have a “devastating impact on the country's economy and credibility.” Prime Minister Han Duk So and foreign minister Cho Te Yul spoke about South Korea's “loss of credibility” in the international arena. Despite the opposition, Jun said there was “no going back”, accusing the opposition of bringing the state to the brink of collapse.
On December 14 last year, South Korea's parliament passed a motion to impeach Jun over his decision to impose martial law. South Korean Constitutional Tribunal is to decide within 180 days whether to approve impeachment or reinstate the former president to his position. The first hearing is scheduled for January 14.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN