Seoul: The anti-corruption investigation agency announced on Sunday that President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was formally arrested over his failed martial law bid, will be prohibited from meeting visitors other than his legal representatives. This decision comes in the wake of a court’s approval for a warrant that formally arrests the impeached President Yoon on charges of insurrection and abuse of power connected to his martial law declaration on December 3.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has communicated this decision to the detention center in Uiwang, located just south of Seoul, where Yoon is currently held. The restriction, aimed at preventing any potential tampering with evidence, will remain in effect until the indictment. This decision also means that the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, along with others close to Yoon, will not be allowed to visit him during this period.
Legal experts have interpreted the CIO’s move as a preparatory step in anticipation of Yoon’s legal team possibly filing a petition to contest the appropriateness of his formal detention. The CIO also announced plans to request Yoon’s presence for questioning on Monday, following his failure to appear earlier.
The issuing of the arrest warrant marks a historic moment as Yoon becomes the first sitting president to be formally arrested. In response to the warrant, Yoon’s supporters expressed their outrage by storming the district court, damaging office equipment, and using a fire extinguisher against police officers. Despite understanding their anger, Yoon, through a message from his lawyers, urged his supporters to express their views peacefully.
Yoon further stated his commitment to addressing past wrongs and expressed his intention to demonstrate the legality of the martial law declaration throughout the legal process.