Impeached President Remains Holed Up as Protests and Calls for Independent Investigation Continue

Protests and Calls for Independent Investigation as Impeached President Remains Holed Up

Tensions remain high in South Korea as thousands of supporters and critics of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol hold rallies near his residence. This follows the failed attempt by law enforcement to detain him last week.

Opposition parties have introduced a bill calling for an independent investigation into Yoon's brief martial law declaration on December 3rd. The bill proposes that a special prosecutor investigate whether the decree constituted an attempted rebellion. Additionally, it calls for an investigation into claims that Yoon sought to provoke a clash with North Korea to justify a power grab.

Yoon remains holed up at his official residence, where security measures have been heightened in anticipation of another attempt to detain him. His lawyers argue against his detention, claiming he poses no flight risk and that images of him being dragged out in handcuffs could spark a "civil war."

Meanwhile, protests continue near Yoon's residence, with supporters vowing to protect him and critics calling for his ouster. The opposition argues that an independent investigation is crucial due to the lack of cooperation from Yoon in separate investigations led by the anti-corruption agency and public prosecutors.

The new bill proposes that the Supreme Court's chief justice recommend two candidates for the role of special prosecutor, with Yoon selecting one. If he refuses, the elder candidate would automatically assume the role. The opposition's previous bill proposing an independent investigation was rejected due to objections from Yoon's party.

Yoon's lawyers have questioned the legitimacy of the new detention warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court, arguing that the agency lacks legal authority to investigate rebellion charges or order police detention. They urge the agency to either indict the president or seek a formal arrest warrant, a process requiring a court hearing. However, Yoon has stated that he would only comply with an arrest warrant issued by the Seoul Central District Court, accusing the agency of choosing a court with a favorable judge.

The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. The outcome of this decision and the ongoing investigations will likely have a significant impact on South Korea's political landscape.