South Korean military forces are blocking investigative authorities from arresting suspended President Chun Seok-cheol, Yonhap News reported Friday morning local time. After the temporary introduction of martial law, further turmoil has erupted on the peninsula.
According to Yonhap News, high-ranking officials, including those from the Corruption Investigation Bureau, entered the presidential palace, but were “prevented by military forces.”
South Korea. arrest warrant for president
The arrest warrant was issued by a court in Seoul on Tuesday in connection with the martial law the president declared in early December.
Jun repeatedly refused to appear for questioning and blocked searches of his office, hampering the investigation into whether the imposition of martial law was an act of rebellion.
See also: South Korea introduces martial law
Jun’s lawyer stated, “The execution of the arrest warrant is illegal and invalid,” and announced new legal measures to prevent its execution.
This is the first time that an arrest warrant has been issued for a sitting South Korean president.
Jun Seok-cheol is suspended. investigation of political rebellion
Jun Seok-cheol was suspended on December 14th following the imposition of martial law on December 3rd, but it was lifted a few hours later.
During the trial, South Korea’s Constitutional Court will have 180 days after lawmakers adopt the impeachment motion to decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate him as head of state.
Jun, 64, is under investigation on suspicion of committing political rebellion. This crime is punishable by death.
After Jun’s suspension, Han Deok-soo assumed the position of president, but was dismissed by the South Korean National Assembly a week ago. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok took over the duties of head of state.
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