A South Korean court has ordered the release of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing insurrection charges over his decision to impose martial law. The court ruled that prosecutors had violated procedural rules by holding Mr. Yoon in detention longer than legally allowed before indicting him. While he has not been immediately freed from jail, prosecutors have a week to appeal the ruling.
Mr. Yoon was detained on Jan. 15 and formally indicted on insurrection charges, stemming from his imposition of martial law in December. The ruling addressed a procedural issue and did not affect the charges he faces at his criminal trial.
The impeachment of Mr. Yoon and subsequent legal battles have sparked political crisis in South Korea. As the country’s Constitutional Court deliberates on the impeachment, Mr. Yoon remains in custody facing criminal charges. His supporters have held rallies calling his arrest a “fraud” engineered by political enemies.
If released, Mr. Yoon’s supporters are likely to be energized, as seen by an elderly man who set himself on fire in support of the president. The ruling has divided political parties, with Mr. Yoon’s party welcoming the decision, while the opposition urging prosecutors to appeal.
The case against Mr. Yoon is unprecedented in South Korean history, with legal disputes arising around procedural matters. Despite the ruling allowing Mr. Yoon to go through trial as a free man, the political turmoil surrounding his presidency continues to unfold.
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