For weeks he had entrenched himself in his residence, now South Korea's suspended president Yoon has been arrested. The authorities have 48 hours to interrogate him. What happens afterwards is unclear.
The week -long nerve battle ends at exactly 10:33 am: South Korea's suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol follows police forces in a black SUV and can be arrested in his residence in Seoul.
Practically at the same time, his team published a previously recorded video message: “In order to avoid unfortunate incidents or bloodshed, I decided to follow the summons of the corruption investigation office, even if their investigations are illegal,” says Yoon in it. The rule of law in South Korea has collapsed completely, he adds almost defiantly.
Yoon supporters hinder the police
In the early morning hours, more than 3,000 police officers and investigators arrive at the headquarters of the President to arrest him. They climb with ladders over fences and parked buses, which are supposed to make access to Yoon's residential complex more difficult.
On January 3, a first attempt had failed, this time Yoon arises after around five hours. It prevents an escalation – also between demonstrators on site and the police. “If the President should be arrested, we will all be ready here, the people of this country, to prevent the arrest at all costs,” says one of the Yoon supporters a few hours before the arrest.
A woman sees it differently: “I think the arrest should be done as soon as possible. President Yoon supporters could argue that this is about the national dignity and that one should not treat a president in this way. But regardless of this I false that the leader of a rebellion has no legal consequences and continues to defend itself against it, even though an arrest warrant was issued. “
48 hours for the investigators
For weeks, Yoon had entrenched himself behind barricades, barbed wire fences and protected from a small army of security guards. He had refused to cooperate with the investigative authorities and did not appear to be a single hearing. Now he is interrogated for the first time because of the allegation of turmoil and abuse of power. As the authorities announced, it has so far been silent.
Investigators have 48 hours to ask Yoon. Then either a new arrest warrant or Yoon is released, explains legal scientist Paik eun Seok on the television broadcaster Arirang: “The fact that Yoon was more or less voluntary in the end makes no difference. And considering that he has not really cooperated with the authorities so far we have to wait and see whether the investigative authority will actually apply for a new arrest warrant. ” If this happens, the investigators could hold him up to 20 days.
Opposition welcomes arrest
South Korea's largest opposition party, which Yoon calls a serious criminal, welcomes the suspended president. Opposition leader Park Chan Dae speaks of a first step to restore democracy and the rule of law.
South Korea's most important ally, the USA, have also commented. In a statement by the Weißen House National Security Council, it says: “The United States stands for their support for the Korean people and the common commitment to the rule of law.” The government will continue to work with the government in Seoul.
