A South Korean court has issued a new arrest warrant for former president Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, January 1, extending his detention while he faces charges related to his 2024 attempt to impose martial law.
Prosecutors indicted Yoon in November on multiple charges of aiding the enemy, alleging that he ordered drone flights over North Korea to support his effort to declare military rule.
The previous arrest warrant was set to expire on January 18. The new order extends it by up to six months. A Seoul Central District Court official told AFP the warrant was issued due to concerns that Yoon could destroy evidence.
Yoon has been in custody for months as several criminal trials proceed. He briefly suspended civilian rule on December 3, 2024, leading to mass protests and a parliamentary confrontation, and was officially removed from office in April.
He became the first sitting South Korean president to be taken into custody when detained in January 2025 after resisting arrest. He was released on procedural grounds in March, then detained again in July over evidence concerns.
Prosecutors are seeking a 10-year prison sentence for Yoon on obstruction of justice charges. A Seoul court is expected to deliver a verdict in that case on January 16.
Asia Pacific Newslog 