Arrest warrant issued for impeached president who declared martial law
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A South Korean court has issued a warrant for the arrest of impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol after his short-lived attempt to impose martial law, the country's anti-corruption agency has said. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant from the Seoul Western District Court on Monday.
The agency said it is investigating whether his declaration of martial law amounted to rebellion. Mr Yoon's powers have been suspended since the opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to impeach him on 14 December. South Korea's Constitutional Court will determine whether to dismiss Mr Yoon as president or reinstate him.
He has ignored repeated requests by investigative authorities to appear for questioning and allow them to search his office. Mr Yoon has the presidential privilege of immunity from criminal prosecution, but it does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
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