South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was detained by investigators, attended a court hearing on the issuance of a warrant for his arrest, clarified his position for about 40 minutes and then returned to the temporary detention center, where he awaits a court decision, Yoon Seok-yeol’s lawyer said.
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The hearing at the Seoul Western District Court lasted from 2:00 pm to 6:50 pm. After the hearing, the president returned to the detention center, where he has been held since Wednesday. It is reported that the court’s decision will be known on the night of January 19 or January 19.
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“The president conscientiously explained and answered the facts, evidence and legal questions… We will calmly wait until the court’s decision is announced,” the president’s lawyer, Yoon Gap-keun, told reporters.
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According to lawyers, the president personally explained the charges for 40 minutes during the hearing, and also made a closing statement about 5 minutes before the end.
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Earlier, for the first time in the history of South Korea, investigators arrested the suspended but current President Yoon Seok-yeol on charges of rebellion. The president himself called this a “voluntary” appearance for interrogation in order to avoid “bloodshed” and emphasized that he does not recognize the legality of the investigation.
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The president is accused of allegedly leading a “rebellion” by imposing martial law on December 3-4.
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Yoon Seok Yeol expressed his “deepest regret” over his arrest. Calling the entire process a “stream of violations” and “arbitrariness” based on “null” orders that are used to force procedures to be followed.
