SEOUL—A South Korean court has overturned the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, ordering his release amid legal challenges over the validity of his detention.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Friday that Yoon’s arrest was unlawful, citing procedural lapses by prosecutors.
“It is reasonable to conclude that the indictment was filed after the defendant’s detention period had expired,” the court stated, emphasizing the need for procedural clarity in the investigative process.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, threw South Korea into political turmoil in December when he briefly suspended civilian rule and deployed troops to parliament. Lawmakers swiftly rejected his martial law declaration and voted to impeach him.
The 64-year-old leader resisted arrest for two weeks before being taken into custody on January 15. He faces charges of insurrection and an impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, which will determine whether his removal from office is upheld.
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