Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Released Ahead of Rebellion Trial

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Released Ahead of Rebellion Trial

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea regained his freedom on Saturday following a court’s decision to cancel his arrest. This move enables him to participate in his upcoming trial regarding allegations of rebellion without being physically detained.

This legal development follows Yoon’s arrest in January, during which he faced indictment from prosecutors concerning a martial law decree issued on December 3. His controversial decree sparked significant political upheaval, subsequently leading to his impeachment by the National Assembly— which voted to reverse his martial law decree just hours after its announcement.

As he left the prison, Yoon displayed a sense of triumph, waving and bowing to a gathering crowd of supporters. They enthusiastically chanted his name and waved both South Korean and American flags. Yoon then boarded a black van that transported him to his residence in Seoul.

Court Decision Overrules Previous Arrest

Yoon expressed gratitude towards the Seoul Central District Court for what he termed a courageous decision to rectify perceived legal wrongs related to his arrest. In a statement, he thanked his followers for their unwavering support and called for individuals on hunger strike against his impeachment to cease their protest.

The Constitutional Court is currently engaged in deliberations to determine whether to formally uphold or annul Yoon’s impeachment. Should the court decide to maintain his impeachment, a new presidential election must be conducted within a two-month timeframe.

Judicial Proceedings and Legal Arguments

The Seoul Central District Court based its ruling on a combination of factors, making it clear that Yoon’s legal circumstances needed to be addressed, particularly concerning the legitimacy of the investigations surrounding his presidency.

Yoon’s legal team has asserted that the investigative agency responsible for detaining him prior to his formal arrest lacked the constitutional authority to pursue charges related to rebellion. Additionally, the court noted that the legally permissible period for Yoon’s formal arrest had expired before his indictment took place.

Prosecutors’ Decision Not to Appeal

Yoon’s release came on the heels of a decision by prosecutors not to appeal the Seoul Central District Court’s ruling. Under South Korean law, even if a court cancels an arrest, prosecutors have the authority to retain a suspect in custody if they decide to appeal the ruling.

In a critical response, the primary liberal opposition party, known as the Democratic Party, chastised the prosecutors for refusing to appeal. They labeled the prosecutors as