The deposed president of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeolpromised to “fight until the end to protect the country” in a message to his followers this Wednesday, amid growing political tensions after his dismissal by Parliament.
“Due to internal and external forces infringing on its sovereignty and the activities of anti-state groups, South Korea is now in danger,” Yoon said in a written statement delivered to people gathered outside his residence in Yongsanin Seoul.
The ousted president also expressed his gratitude to those who support him and assured that he has closely followed their efforts. “A free democracy, where each citizen is the owner, not the state or a party, will prevail,” he added.
Yoon’s statement comes a day after a Seoul court approved his temporary detention, accusing him of insurrection and abuse of power.
According to the Seoul Western District Court, the president would have led a failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, allegedly ordering the Army to blockade Parliament to prevent the revocation of his measure.
Although Yoon has presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, this privilege does not extend to charges of insurrection, which can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty, although the country has had a moratorium on capital punishment since 1997.
The National Assembly dismissed Yoon on December 14, temporarily stripping him of his duties pending the Constitutional Court decide, before June, whether he is reinstated or permanently disqualified.
The researchers in South Korea They confirmed that they will execute the arrest warrant against the deposed president, Yoon Suk-yeolbefore January 6, amid growing tension due to protests by his supporters near his residence in Seoul.
The order is linked to the declaration of martial law carried out during his mandate, a fact that led to his dismissal by the National Assembly.
Oh Dong-woonhead of the Corruption Investigation Office for Senior Officials (CIOfor its acronym in English), assured that the order will be executed “within the deadline” and that it is coordinating with the police to avoid disturbances and guarantee an orderly procedure.
He also warned that the barricades and the closure of access by Yoon’s supporters will be treated as obstruction of official duties. “Anyone involved in this type of resistance could be prosecuted,” he said.
(With information from EFE and AFP)
