South Korean authorities request arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon over martial law decree

Law enforcement authorities in South Korea requested an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol after being impeached two weeks ago for his martial law decree on Dec. 3 that shook the nation.

Authorities are investigating whether his actions that day amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials confirmed to The Associated Press that it requested the warrant from the Seoul Western District Court and that they plan to question Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion.

The president’s lawyer filed a challenge with the court, arguing the warrant was invalid and denounced the attempt to detain him.

“An incumbent president cannot be prosecuted for abuse of power,” the lawyer said. “Of course, there are differing academic opinions on whether a president can be investigated for abuse of power and some assert that investigations are possible. But even when investigations are allowed, the prevailing opinion is that they should be exercised with the utmost restraint.”

South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach President Yoon in a 204-85 vote on Dec. 14. The nation’s Constitutional Court was subsequently tasked with deciding whether Yoon should be ousted from office officially. If so, an election would be held within 60 days, according to the AP.

The Associated Press contributed.