The presidential security services are refusing to cooperate in the arrest of former South Korean leader Jung Suk-jeol, Reuters reports. It also appeared that Jun had ignored the protests of ministers who warned that the martial law that Jun imposed for several hours on December 3 would have a “catastrophic” effect on the country.
The presidential service justified its decision with the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the arrest warrant of the former head of state.
READ MORE: They want to arrest the president. They appeal to security guards for cooperation
The arrest warrant remains in effect until Monday
Also on Sunday, a Seoul court rejected a request by Jun’s defense team to invalidate the warrant for the politician’s arrest on charges of coup d’état and abuse of power, as well as the search of the president’s residence. more details. The representatives of the former leader consider these actions “illegal”.
In addition, Jun’s representative announced that he will file a complaint with the prosecutor’s office, demanding that an investigation be launched against the head of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) for trying to arrest the former head of state.
According to reports by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, investigative services are likely to refrain from making another attempt to arrest Jun on Sunday due to heavy snow in Seoul and their failure to respond to a request to meet the president’s security. in the arrest of the former leader, who on Saturday appealed to the Minister of Finance 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 trying again on the last day, requesting an extension of the current order or filing a new request for arrest, Yonhap said.
A banner calling for Yoon’s arrest on a road in SeoulPAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
The president ignored the ministers before imposing martial law
In turn, the AFP news agency revealed that Jun ignored the objections of key ministers in his government before deciding to impose martial law on December 3 last year. According to the prosecutor’s report, the politicians at the government meeting, which was called before the announcement of this order, expressed concern about the economic and diplomatic consequences.
Finance Minister Tchoi claimed that the decision would have a “devastating effect on the economy and confidence of the country”. Prime Minister Han Duk-seo and Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul talked about South Korea’s “loss of prestige” in the international arena. Despite the opposition, Jun said there was “no turning back” and accused the opposition of bringing the state to the brink of collapse.
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On December 14 last year, the South Korean parliament passed a motion to impeach Jun for his decision to impose martial law. South Korea’s Constitutional Court is expected to decide within 180 days whether to uphold the impeachment or reinstate the former president. The first hearing is scheduled for January 14.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
