South Korea investigators seek new warrant to arrest ex-president Yoon
They are requesting a new arrest warrant after Yoon refused a summons by investigators probing his failed martial law bid
South Korean prosecutors asked a court on Tuesday for a new arrest warrant to detain former president Yoon Suk-yeol, after he refused a summons by investigators probing his failed martial law bid.
Yoon was formally stripped of office in April, after being impeached and suspended by lawmakers over his December 3 attempt to subvert civilian rule, which saw armed soldiers deployed to parliament.
He is already standing trial on insurrection charges, personally attending court to defend himself against the allegations.
However, he has refused several summons issued by a special counsel formed to investigate the martial law declaration that parliament voted to launch earlier in the month.
“Today, the special counsel requested an arrest warrant for former president Yoon Suk-yeol on charges including obstruction of official duties,” the special counsel said in a statement.
“The arrest warrant was requested in order to conduct the suspect’s interrogation,” it said, adding that “he has clearly indicated his intention not to respond to future summons”.