South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been formally arrested days after being apprehended at his presidential compound in Seoul, as he faces possible imprisonment over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.
Mr Yoon’s arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody for him, lasting months or more.
The Seoul Western District Court granted law enforcement’s request for an arrest warrant on Mr Yoon following an hours-long deliberation, saying there was a threat of evidence being destroyed.
Mr Yoon and his lawyers on Saturday appeared before the court’s judge during a hearing and argued for his release.
Mr Yoon, who has been in detention since he was apprehended on Wednesday in a massive police operation at his residential compound, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on December 3, which set off the country’s most serious political crisis since its democratisation in the late 1980s.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and the military, can now extend his detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.
Mr Yoon’s lawyers could also file a petition to challenge the court’s arrest warrant.