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South Korean investigators have launched a fresh attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol in connection with his failed attempt to impose martial law last month.
The operation, which began shortly after 4am local time on Wednesday, is the second attempt this month by South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office to detain Yoon for questioning on insurrection and abuse of office charges.
An initial move by investigators to arrest Yoon at his presidential compound was foiled by his protection officers following a tense, hours-long stand-off earlier this month.
Images broadcast on South Korean television on Wednesday morning appeared to show police tussling with pro-Yoon demonstrators outside the compound, where he has been holed up for several weeks.
According to South Korea’s state-owned news agency Yonhap, police and officials from the CIO arrived at the compound and presented a warrant for Yoon’s arrest, but were prevented from entering by the presidential security service, which has remained loyal to him.
Yonhap also reported that about 30 lawmakers from Yoon’s conservative People Power party were present at the compound and trying to prevent officials from entering it.
Yoon’s lawyers have insisted the CIO has no standing to pursue criminal insurrection charges against Yoon.
They warned last week that an attempt by police to break into the president’s compound could provoke a “civil war”.
This is a developing story.
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