SEOUL — On Friday (March 7), a South Korean court annulled the arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, clearing the way for his release after being detained in mid-January on insurrection charges tied to a brief martial law declaration. The Seoul Central District Court explained its decision by citing the timing of the indictment, which occurred after the initial detention period had expired, and raised "questions about the legality" of the investigation, which involved two separate agencies.

Yoon, who became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested on criminal charges, was detained on Jan 15 following a tense standoff between his presidential guards and authorities attempting to apprehend him. "This court decision demonstrates that the rule of law in this country remains intact," Yoon's legal team stated, although they noted that his release might not be immediate if prosecutors choose to appeal. The prosecutor's office has yet to issue a statement regarding the court's ruling. Yoon's defense argued that the arrest warrant issued on Jan 19 to extend his detention was invalid due to procedural errors in the prosecutors' filing.

Yoon defended his Dec 3 martial law declaration, claiming it was necessary to address "anti-state" elements, but rescinded it just six hours later when parliament voted against the measure. He has maintained that he never intended to fully implement emergency military rule. Weeks later, the opposition-led parliament impeached Yoon, accusing him of violating his constitutional duties. The Constitutional Court is expected to deliver a verdict on his impeachment soon.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.