Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was released on Saturday after prosecutors decided not to appeal the court's approval for his release. 🇰🇷 This marks a significant turning point in South Korea's political landscape.
Yoon exited a black vehicle from the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, about 20 kilometers south of Seoul, waving and bowing to supporters lining the road. He then made his way to the presidential residence in central Seoul, taking another moment to shake hands with his supporters.
In a heartfelt statement, Yoon expressed his gratitude for the court's decision, the unwavering support from the people despite the chilly weather, and the leadership of the ruling People Power Party. 🙏
The Seoul Central District Court had approved Yoon's release on Friday, responding to a request from his legal team to cancel his detention made back in February. Yoon's lawyers hailed the decision as a confirmation that his detainment had issues both procedurally and substantively, describing it as the start of a journey to restore the rule of law.
The release has sparked mixed reactions across the nation, with approximately 55,000 Yoon supporters rallying in Seoul's main districts and 32,500 people demonstrating against him near the Constitutional Court, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Yoon was apprehended on January 15 and later indicted on January 26 on charges of being a suspected ringleader of insurrection, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been arrested and prosecuted. 📅
Initially, the prosecution's special investigative unit sought to appeal the court's decision. However, the prosecutor general ordered the unit to adhere to the court's ruling, putting a temporary halt to the appeal process.
Last December, Yoon declared an emergency martial law, which was swiftly revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly. His impeachment motion passed on December 14, and since then, the constitutional court has held 11 hearings, with the final verdict expected next week.
Reference(s):
Impeached ROK president released as prosecution decides not to appeal
cgtn.com
