South Korea's Ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Indictment for Insurrection and Abuse of Power
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's anti-corruption officials have requested that prosecutors indict ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol for insurrection and abuse of power. This move comes after Yoon's short-lived martial law declaration, which sent shockwaves throughout the nation ¹.
Yoon, who was impeached and suspended from power on December 14, has been incarcerated since January 15. Investigators are probing his December 3 attempt to impose martial law, a move that was overturned within hours by parliament.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has named Yoon as the "ringleader of an insurrection," along with his former defense minister. This development has plunged South Korea into a political crisis, affecting the economy and raising concerns among allies, including the US, about the country's political stability.
The CIO has accused Yoon of attempting to impose martial law, which is considered a serious crime in South Korea. Insurrection, the crime Yoon may be charged with, is one of the few crimes that a South Korean president does not have immunity from and is technically punishable by death.
Yoon's lawyers have repeatedly argued that the CIO has no authority to handle his case, citing a lack of mention of insurrection in the law. However, a Seoul court has already ruled against Yoon's lawyers when they tried to make this argument to prevent his arrest.
The investigation into Yoon's actions has been led by the CIO, which was launched in 2021 as an independent anti-graft agency. The agency has been working with police and the defense ministry to probe Yoon's actions.
Prosecutors have already charged Yoon's former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, with insurrection. Other officials, including the chiefs of the Capital Defence Command and the Seoul police, have also been indicted.
Yoon's detention is set to end on January 28, but prosecutors are expected to ask the court to extend it for another 10 days before formally charging him.
The indictment of Yoon Suk Yeol marks a significant development in South Korea's political crisis. As the investigation continues, the nation remains divided, with many calling for Yoon's removal from office.
The Constitutional Court is currently hearing Yoon's impeachment trial, which will determine his fate as president. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: South Korea's political landscape will never be the same again.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0