S Korea’s Impeached President Yoon Walks Out of Detention Centre
In a significant development, South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has walked out of a detention centre in Seoul after a local court cancelled his arrest warrant. Yoon’s release comes amid ongoing criminal trials against him over the brief imposition of martial law last year.
The news of Yoon’s release was confirmed by Yonhap News Agency, citing sources familiar with the matter. The 64-year-old president was taken into custody last month as part of an investigation into allegations of abuse of power and corruption during his presidency.
Despite being released from detention, Yoon remains suspended from his duties as president, and his criminal trials continue. In a statement, Yoon thanked the court for its decision, describing it as a “correction of illegality.”
“I would like to thank the court for their courage in correcting illegality,” Yoon said in the statement. “I will continue to cooperate with the investigation and will do my best to clear my name.”
Yoon’s release comes at a time when South Korea is gearing up for presidential elections, which are scheduled to take place in March 2026. The political landscape in the country has been significantly altered by Yoon’s impeachment, with many observers predicting a close race between liberal and conservative candidates.
Yoon’s impeachment was a major blow to his presidency, which was marked by a series of controversies and scandals. His administration was criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its response to economic and social issues facing the country.
The investigation into Yoon’s alleged abuse of power and corruption centres around his decision to impose martial law in September 2024. Yoon claimed that the move was necessary to maintain public order and stability, but critics accused him of using the emergency powers to suppress opposition and silence critics.
Yoon’s release from detention is likely to fuel further controversy and debate in South Korea. His opponents have long accused him of being authoritarian and power-hungry, and his release may be seen as a sign of his continued defiance of the law.
On the other hand, Yoon’s supporters have argued that he is being unfairly targeted by the prosecution and that his impeachment was a political witch-hunt. They have called for his release and for him to be allowed to continue serving as president.
The ongoing legal battles surrounding Yoon’s presidency have significant implications for South Korea’s political system. The country’s constitution prohibits a president from serving more than one term, and Yoon’s impeachment has raised questions about the legitimacy of his administration.
The investigation into Yoon’s alleged abuse of power and corruption is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the case will ultimately be resolved. In the meantime, Yoon’s release from detention is likely to remain a major issue in South Korean politics.
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