Special unit says it has raided the presidential office as well as police agencies as part of insurrection investigation
South Korean police have raided the office of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his role in declaring martial law last week – a move that plunged Asia’s fourth-biggest economy into crisis and caused alarm among its allies.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said the search on Wednesday was part of an attempt by law enforcement agencies to establish whether Yoon’s actions, supported by other senior figures in his administration, amounted to insurrection – a crime that does not carry presidential immunity and can carry the death penalty.
A special investigation unit confirmed it raided the presidential office and other agencies. “The special investigation team has conducted a raid on the presidential office, the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service,” the unit said in a message sent to Agence France-Presse.
Earlier on Wednesday, the former defence minister was formally arrested on insurrection charges related to the brief declaration of martial law, a court spokesperson said.
Kim Yong-hyun, who had first been detained on Sunday, has now been arrested on charges including “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights”.
A spokesperson for the Seoul Central District Court told AFP that the formal arrest of Kim came amid concerns that evidence might be destroyed.
Two top police officials were also taken into custody in the early hours of Wednesday, as the investigation into the political turmoil caused by the martial law declaration gathered pace.
At least several hundred protesters rallied late on Tuesday outside the National Assembly, waving glow sticks and holding signs that read, “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, the insurrection criminal.
