South Korean police have called off an attempt to arrest suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol after a dramatic six-hour long standoff with Yoon’s security officers.
Dozens of police vans lined the street outside Yoon’s residence in central Seoul early Friday morning as the arrest team made up of police officers and officers of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) marched towards the compound.
Local media reports that despite Yoon being stripped of his presidential powers, some military personnel and his security service officers formed a human wall and used vehicles to block the arrest team’s path.
An official with the CIO which has been investigating Yoons short lived martial law declaration since last month said concerns for the safety of the team on the ground was another factor in their decision to call off the attempted arrest.
“We’ve determined that the arrest is practically impossible, Yoon’s refusal of the legal process is deeply regrettable” CIO.
If the arrest had been successful, Yoon would have become the first sitting president to be arrested in South Korea’s history.
The attempted arrest comes after Seoul Top court issued a warrant for his arrest early this week after he ignored three summons for questioning over allegations of abuse of power and inciting insurrection.
The arrest warrant which expires on the 6th of January gives Investigators another attempt to arrest Yoon again over the weekend, however, it may be challenging as crowds are likely to swell.
Meanwhile, Yoon’s supporters, who have been camped out in front of the presidential residence for days, cheered in song and dance as the suspension was announced.
BBC, CNN
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
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