O Corruption Investigation Office he explained that other measures will now be considered and added that he “deeply regrets the suspect’s attitude, which did not respect legal procedures”.
The operation was canceled at around 1:30 pm local time (4:30 am in Lisbon), after 30 agents from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and 50 police officers were involved in a three- to four-hour standoff with the security service. presidential security, who refused to give access to the interior of the residence, said a CIO spokesperson.
“Regarding the execution of the arrest warrant today, in light of the persistent impasse, we determined that it was virtually impossible to execute the warrant and we were concerned about the safety of those on the ground due to the obstruction of its execution,” the spokesperson quoted the agency as saying. Yonhap news.
The officer explained that other measures will now be considered and added that he “deeply regrets the suspect’s attitude, which did not respect legal procedures.”
After undergoing a first military check on the complex’s perimeter, the team of CIO agents and the police encountered the presidential security service, which refused to accept temporary arrest and search warrants as valid.
The deposed president’s supporters, gathered near the residence, celebrated the news. There were around 1,200, according to police.
The police sent a large contingent, including 2,700 officers, to the vicinity of the presidential residence, located in the Hannam area of Seoul, to avoid disturbances.
Yoon’s lawyers requested a court order to nullify the claiming that only the Public Prosecutor’s Office can request the arrest and insisting that this “is illegal”, after learning that authorities were inside the complex.
If they manage to detain Yoon Suk-yeol, the team made up of the CIO, police and Ministry of National Defense has 48 hours to interrogate the leader and even request an order to extend the detention, if deemed necessary.
Yoon, who is banned from leaving the country, was dismissed by parliament on December 14, and awaits a decision from the Constitutional Court by June on reinstatement or definitive dismissal.
