With the court’s approval of the warrant, investigators can now hold him for up to 20 days, including the time he has already spent at a detention center. If convicted of insurrection, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty
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South Korea’s impeached leader Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on January 15, 2025 over his failed martial law bid. Now the period of his detention has been extended. File image/AFP
A South Korean court has approved a detention warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The Seoul Western District Court announced Sunday (January 19) that the warrant was granted over concerns Yoon could destroy evidence related to allegations of insurrection and abuse of power.
The charges stem from Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, during which he allegedly deployed troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from overturning the decree.
If convicted of insurrection, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Extended detention and investigation
Yoon, who was apprehended at his Seoul residence last Wednesday (January 15), initially refused to cooperate during the first 48 hours of his detention.
With the court’s approval of the warrant, investigators can now hold him for up to 20 days, including the time he has already spent at a detention center, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) currently has custody of Yoon and plans to transfer him to prosecutors after 10 days.
The prosecution is expected to conduct additional investigations and file formal charges before the detention period expires.
CIO officials said that they will carry out a probe into the president “in accordance with the law and procedures.”
Supporter protests
The court’s decision spark