A South Korean court cancelled impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest warrant on Friday, paving the way for his release from jail following his arrest in mid-January on insurrection charges over a brief imposition of martial law.
The Seoul Central District Court said in a statement that its ruling was based on the timing of the indictment that came after the initial detention period had expired, and noted "questions about the legality" of the investigation process that involved two separate agencies.
On January 15, Yoon became the first sitting president to be arrested on criminal charges after days of a standoff between presidential guards and arresting authorities.
"The court's decision to cancel the arrest showed this country's rule of law is still alive," Yoon's lawyers said in a statement.
Yoon's lawyers also said he may not be immediately released because prosecutors can appeal. The prosecutors' office did not immediately comment on the ruling.
The defence team had argued that a warrant issued on January 19 that extended Yoon's detention was invalid because the request filed by prosecutors was procedurally flawed.
Yoon said his December 3 martial law declaration was needed to root out "anti-state" elements but lifted the decree six hours later after parliament voted to reject it. He has said he never intended to fully impose emergency military rule.
Weeks later he was impeached by the opposition-led parliament on accusations he had violated his constitutional duty by declaring martial law.
The Constitutional Court is expected to rule soon on his impeachment.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government has accused the United Arab Emirates of operating a secret prison at an airbase near the southern port city of Muka...
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with US President Donald Trump as Washington plans to impose 10 per cent tariffs on the UK and several E...
Afghanistan and Qatar have signalled interest in expanding cooperation in investment and agriculture during talks in Doha, as Afghanistan’s defence ...
U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing trade tariffs on European countries is a maximalist move designed to force concessions on Greenland, ...
Five skiers were killed in a pair of avalanches in Austria’s western Alpine regions on Saturday, with two others injured, one critically....
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday after a court found he obstructed authorities from arresting him following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.
South Korea’s special prosecutor has requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of masterminding an insurrection over his brief attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.
Japan and South Korea have held high-level talks aimed at strengthening security cooperation and deepening economic ties, against a backdrop of rising tensions in East Asia.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has called on South Korea to thoroughly investigate recent drone incidents and provide a detailed explanation, according to a statement released by state media KCNA on Sunday.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday (17 January) that concerns over security in Greenland should be addressed within the framework of NATO, describing a ground military intervention as highly unlikely.
Elon Musk is seeking up to $134 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, arguing that the companies profited unfairly from his early support of the artificial intelligence firm, according to a court filing made public on Friday.
European leaders voiced growing alarm on Sunday over U.S. threats to impose tariffs on eight NATO allies, warning the move could destabilize transatlantic relations and heighten tensions in the Arctic.
Trump administration officials held months-long discussions with Venezuela’s hardline interior minister Diosdado Cabello before the U.S. operation that led to the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree recognising Kurdish language rights, as government forces advanced against U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters despite U.S. calls for restraint.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with US President Donald Trump as Washington plans to impose 10 per cent tariffs on the UK and several European allies.
Afghanistan and Qatar have signalled interest in expanding cooperation in investment and agriculture during talks in Doha, as Afghanistan’s defence chief attended a major regional defence exhibition.
U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing trade tariffs on European countries is a maximalist move designed to force concessions on Greenland, according to geopolitical analyst Ana Evans.
The German and French finance ministers said on Monday that European powers would not be blackmailed and that there would be a clear and united response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of higher tariffs over Greenland.
An explosion at a steel plate factory in China's northern region of Inner Mongolia killed two people and injured 84, Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union said on Monday, adding that eight are missing.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment