'We have begun executing a detention warrant for President Yoon,' says Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials
Investigators from South Korea's anti-corruption agency entered impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence in Seoul on Friday to execute a warrant for his detention following his failed attempt last month to impose martial law.
"We have begun executing a detention warrant for President Yoon," the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced to the press, according to Yonhap news agency.
They were blocked by a military unit inside the presidential residence compound, however, said Yonhap.
Yoon's defense team has vowed to take legal action over the "illegal" execution of the warrant.
The CIO has until Monday to carry out the detention warrant against Yoon on charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to his brief imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.
Its efforts have been complicated by rallies held by Yoon's supporters outside the presidential residence, along with the risk of clashes with the Presidential Security Service.
In recent days, thousands of supporters have gathered near the residence to protest Yoon's impeachment and prevent his arrest. Some have been forcibly removed by police.
If Yoon is detained, investigators plan to take him to the CIO's headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, for questioning before transferring him to the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang.
The CIO would then have 48 hours to either seek a formal arrest warrant or release him.
Yoon is the country's first sitting president to face such charges of insurrection, treason and a travel ban as well as an unprecedented arrest warrant.
