ALBAWABA- A South Korean court has canceled President Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention warrant, paving the way for his potential release. The decision comes after prosecutors opted not to challenge the ruling, which could have extended his detention.
Yoon has been held since mid-January on charges of leading an insurrection following his failed attempt in December to impose martial law.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of his petition to cancel his custody, a decision that was delivered on Friday.
Despite this, he still faces serious criminal charges that could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted.
Ahead of his expected release, police and Yoon’s supporters gathered near the presidential residence in Seoul.
However, his lawyer, Seok Dong-hyun, clarified that the president would not be released immediately, as prosecutors had a seven-day window to appeal.
With their decision not to pursue an appeal, the justice ministry is now expected to process his release orders.
Yoon has been detained at the Seoul Detention Center since January 15, after investigators executed an arrest warrant in a dramatic raid, following an initial failed attempt where presidential security forces blocked police entry.
His legal team welcomed the court’s decision, calling it proof that “the rule of law is still alive in this country” and urging authorities to release Yoon without further delay. They argued that keeping him detained during the appeal period would be unconstitutional.
