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By Eduardo Baptista, Hyunsoo Yim, and Joyce Lee
SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korean authorities are battling with presidential security forces after protesters arrested on Friday escaped outside the compound of impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over his declaration of martial law.
Yon’s supporters gathered in the early hours of the morning near the president’s residence in growing numbers as they vowed to block any attempt to arrest Yon.
Officials from the Corruption Investigations Office (CIO), which is leading a team of investigators into Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on December 3, arrived at the gate of the presidential compound shortly after 7:00 a.m. (2200 GMT). Thursday) and entered on foot.
As soon as they entered the premises, the CIO and the accompanying police
Media reported that the Presidential Security Service (PSS) personnel, as well as military personnel, will stand by the President’s security side. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has announced that the military is under the control of the PSS.
The CIO called off efforts to arrest Yeon at 1:30 p.m., saying he was concerned for the safety of his staff due to the obstruction and that he “deeply regretted” Yeon’s insubordinate attitude.
“Due to the ongoing controversy, it was judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant,” the CIO said in a statement.
Yoon’s lawyer said in a statement earlier on Friday that the execution of an invalid arrest warrant against Yoon was illegal, and that they would take legal action without further explanation.
The arrest warrant approved by a court on Tuesday extends to January 6 and gives investigators just 48 hours to detain Yon after his arrest, after Yoon has ignored multiple calls to appear for questioning. Investigators must decide whether to request an arrest warrant or release it.
The CIO said on Friday that he will review the situation and decide on the next steps.
