Seoul: The state anti-corruption agency has called upon the police to intervene in executing a warrant to detain the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed attempt to impose martial law. This request has sparked protests from Yoon's legal team and the police, as confirmed by both parties on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) submitted an official request late Sunday, just one day before the warrant's expiration. A police official stated, "The CIO sent us an official letter requesting our cooperation without prior consultations," and added, "We are internally carrying out a legal review."
The request follows a previous attempt by the CIO to detain President Yoon at his official residence, which ended in a standoff with presidential security. Yoon has been uncooperative with the CIO's summons for questioning or warrant execution, as the agency lacks the technical authority to investigate insurrection charges related to his brief imposition of martial law on December 3.
The CIO has faced criticism for involving police officers during the warrant's execution last Friday, despite lacking authority to command the police. Lee Jae-seung, the deputy CIO chief, explained to reporters, "Under the Criminal Procedure Act, a detention warrant is to be executed by the police under the command of a prosecutor." He further clarified that the CIO held discussions with the police post-Friday regarding the timing and method for a renewed attempt to detain Yoon.
A formal letter was dispatched to acting President Choi Sang-mok, seeking cooperation from the Presidential Security Service in executing the warrant, but no response was received. "We decided that we could no longer wait for a reply," Lee stated, emphasizing the police's expertise in executing warrants and their capability to ensure uniformity in the command system. "We determined that entrusting execution to (the police) would help swiftly and effectively carry out the procedures," he added.
Despite this, the CIO will retain its investigative responsibilities and will question Yoon at its office if he is detained. Lee mentioned the CIO's intention to seek an extension of the warrant before its midnight expiration.
Yoon's lawyer, Yun Gap-keun, criticized the CIO's decision, comparing it to subcontracting in a construction project. "Watching the CIO's investigative behavior that lacks legal grounds raises doubts about its qualifications and abilities as a state agency," he stated.
The CIO has collaborated with the police and the defense ministry's investigation unit for a joint probe into the circumstances surrounding Yoon's martial law decree. Internal sources suggested that the CIO's letter has led to dissatisfaction within the police, who feel the agency is shifting responsibilities after not fully executing the warrant previously.
The unprecedented move to arrest a sitting president has triggered mass protests near Yoon's residence, with rallies both supporting and opposing the president continuing into Monday, despite the harsh subzero temperatures endured by many protesters overnight.