SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Opposition parties in South Korea have put forth a bill on Thursday to call for an independent inquiry into the brief martial law declaration made by impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Supporters and critics of Yoon gathered near his residence in tense rallies as the bill was introduced.
The bill, jointly proposed by six parties including the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, suggests a special prosecutor investigate whether Yoon’s martial law decree on December 3 amounted to an attempted rebellion. It also seeks an examination into opposition allegations that Yoon may have instigated tensions with North Korea by flying drones over Pyongyang or discussing shooting down balloons from North Korea, as a pretext for consolidating power at home. Yoon’s legal team and the South Korean military have denied these claims.
Yoon remained inside his official residence in Seoul, where security forces have reinforced the area with barbed wire and vehicles to prevent his potential detention. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials has vowed to collaborate with police in making a stronger attempt to apprehend Yoon, warning of potential arrests if security staff obstruct the process.
Yoon’s lawyers have argued against his arrest, stating he poses no flight risk or threat to destroy evidence. They expressed concerns that his arrest could incite a civil conflict in the country. Yoon’s supporters and critics have continued their demonstrations near his residence, with tensions running high but no major clashes reported.
The opposition emphasizes the need for an impartial investigation, citing Yoon’s lack of cooperation with previous probes by anti-corruption agencies and prosecutors. The new bill proposes the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court recommend two candidates for special prosecutor, from whom Yoon would select one. If Yoon declines to appoint a candidate, the elder nominee would assume the role automatically.
An earlier bill for an independent investigation was rejected by the National Assembly due to opposition from Yoon’s conservative party. However, the Democrats are optimistic that the new bill will be approved. Yoon’s legal team has raised concerns about the legitimacy of a recent detention warrant issued by the court.
Following a failed attempt to bring Yoon into custody, questions have been raised regarding the legal authority of the agency involved. Critics argue that the agency lacks the necessary jurisdiction to investigate charges of rebellion or issue orders for the detention of suspects. Instead, they have called for either the indictment of the president or the pursuit of a formal arrest warrant, a process that would entail a court hearing. In response, the president has asserted that he will only comply with an arrest warrant issued by the Seoul Central District Court. His legal team has gone on the offensive, accusing the agency of purposely selecting a court with a judge who may be biased in their favor.
In the wake of Yoon’s declaration of martial law and the deployment of troops to encircle the National Assembly on December 3, a dramatic series of events unfolded. Despite the blockade, lawmakers managed to navigate their way through and subsequently voted to lift the imposed measure. Subsequently, Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended following a decision by the opposition-dominated Assembly to impeach him on December 14, citing allegations of rebellion. The Constitutional Court has since commenced deliberations on the crucial matter of whether to formally oust Yoon from office or reinstate him.
