A South Korean court has declined a request to issue an arrest warrant for former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who is under investigation for his brief and controversial attempt to enforce martial law, according to his legal team.
The request, made by a special prosecutor on Tuesday, came amid escalating inquiries into Mr Yoon’s failed effort to declare martial law during his presidency. The Seoul Central District Court and the prosecution office did not immediately provide comments.
An official involved in the investigation stated the warrant was related to obstruction charges, alleging that Mr Yoon ignored a summons for questioning.
Mr Yoon’s declaration of martial law, though short-lived, triggered significant political turmoil in the country.
(Image: Reuters – Ahn Young-joon)
The former leader’s lawyers criticized the prosecutor’s actions, claiming the investigation was based on “superficial and secondary issues,” and suggested the probe might be politically motivated. Nevertheless, they confirmed Mr Yoon would attend a new questioning session scheduled for Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the special prosecutor’s office said it would consider reapplying for an arrest warrant if Mr Yoon fails to appear for questioning.
Yoon Faces Serious Charges
Mr Yoon is already undergoing a criminal trial for insurrection—stemming from his martial law order—and was briefly detained in January after resisting arrest. He was released after 52 days due to procedural issues.
The former president insists his December 3 martial law declaration was intended to highlight threats to democracy from the opposition Democratic Party.
The special prosecutor overseeing the case was appointed soon after President Lee Jae-myung, a liberal candidate, won a snap election and took office on June 4. The prosecutor has formed a large task force of over 200 investigators and prosecutors to handle the various investigations into Mr Yoon.
(Image: Yonhap via Reuters – Soldiers in camouflage gear preparing at the National Assembly)
Former Defense Minister’s Detention Extended
Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Court has extended the detention of Kim Yong-hyun, Mr Yoon’s former defense minister, due to concerns he may tamper with evidence. Mr Kim, now on trial for insurrection, was a key figure in devising the martial law plan.
He denies the allegations, asserting the decision was intended to highlight opposition control and gather information related to suspected election fraud.
