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South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently facing suspension, will not appear at the opening session of his impeachment trial scheduled for next week. His lawyer, speaking on Sunday, cited security risks as the primary reason for his absence, underscoring concerns over his safety amidst heightened political tension in the country.
Yoon Suk Yeol has been under heavy protection within the presidential residence, guarded by an elite security force, ever since his impeachment and suspension last month. This came in the aftermath of a tumultuous period marked by a fleeting but contentious martial law declaration that sent shockwaves through South Korea’s political landscape.
Yoon Suk Yeol has steadfastly refused to cooperate with prosecutors and investigators, maintaining his distance from the ongoing legal proceedings. Earlier this month, his presidential guard unit successfully intercepted an arrest attempt, leading to a tense standoff that lasted several hours, highlighting the growing standoff between him and the authorities.
The Constitutional Court has lined up five crucial trial dates from January 14 to February 4, with proceedings set to unfold in Yoon Suk Yeol’s absence if he remains unwilling to participate. The court’s decision underscores its commitment to advancing the case, regardless of whether the suspended president appears before it.
“Concerns about safety and potential incidents have arisen. Therefore, the President will not be able to attend the trial on January 14,” lawyer Yoon Kab-keun said in a statement sent to AFP.
“The President is willing to appear at any time once safety issues are resolved.”
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The court will decide whether to uphold his impeachment or restore him to office.
Separately, investigators seeking to question Yoon on insurrection charges linked to his ill-fated martial law declaration are preparing another arrest attempt.
Yoon’s legal team say his guards remain on “high alert”.
Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested if investigators are able to detain him. If convicted, he faces prison or even the death penalty.
A team of Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) investigators and police are planning for the next attempt, which they said could be their last.
The CIO said anyone obstructing their attempt could be detained themselves and police reportedly held a meeting of top commanders on Friday to plan for the renewed effort.
Park Chong-jun, the former head of the presidential guard security, who tendered his resignation on Friday, made a pointed remark to the press following his departure. He emphasized that any future attempts to arrest the individual in question must be carried out without resorting to violence.
His call for restraint comes amid a growing tension, as his resignation has been followed by the appointment of a more fervent ally of President Yoon, signaling a potential shift in security strategies.
The Yonhap news agency has revealed that the National Office of Investigation, a critical unit within the police force, has issued a directive to top police officials in Seoul. The note, which underscores the urgency of the situation, calls for the mobilization of 1,000 investigators in anticipation of a new effort, highlighting the significant resources being allocated to this high-stakes mission.
Protests supporting and opposing President Yoon have become a frequent occurrence in the heart of South Korea’s capital since the crisis erupted. In the midst of this unrest, the ruling party has surprisingly seen a surge in its approval ratings, indicating a shift in public sentiment as the crisis continues to unfold.
According to a new Gallup poll published on Friday, the People Power Party’s approval rating has seen a remarkable surge, rising from 24 percent to 34 percent in the span of just three weeks. This boost reflects a significant change in the party’s standing amid the ongoing political crisis.