Yoon Suk Yeol exits detention after 52 days, maintaining his pivotal role in South Korea's political turmoil amid insurrection charges.
South Korea's Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Released from Detention
South Korea's Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Released from Detention
Impeached leader freed as court overturns arrest on technical grounds during ongoing legal battles.
Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, has been released from detention following a Seoul court's decision to overturn his arrest on technical grounds. The former leader exited the detention center on Saturday to the cheers of his supporters, even as he prepares to face trial later this year for insurrection related to his attempt to impose martial law in December.
Yoon was arrested in January during a pre-dawn raid at the presidential palace, amidst a two-week standoff involving his security detail and police. After spending 52 days in custody, he expressed gratitude to the people of South Korea, declaring, "I bow my head in gratitude to the people of this nation," in a statement released by his legal team.
Following his release, Yoon greeted supporters and was escorted in an official convoy back to the presidential compound in Seoul, where he received a warm welcome. Reports indicate that over 50,000 people held rallies in support of Yoon on Saturday, while a smaller counter-protest was also reported, reflecting the ongoing divisions within the country.
Yoon's lawyers argued for his release by highlighting legal technicalities that rendered his continued detention unlawful. Although the court ruled in favor of Yoon, prosecutors condemned the ruling as "unjust." He will face trial later this year for the short-lived martial law declaration that ignited a national controversy; a conviction could result in severe penalties, potentially life imprisonment or the death penalty.
While Yoon remains technically suspended from office, he is still recognized as the president of South Korea. Additionally, he awaits a crucial ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding his impeachment, with a decision anticipated in the coming days. As legal battles continue, authorities are preparing for further unrest as his supporters rally behind him.
