Investigators detain Yoon over martial law declaration

A warrant to detain Yoon was executed at 10:33 a.m., according to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). (Photo: 윤석열/Facebook)

By Yonhap, Philippine News Agency 

SEOUL – Investigators detained impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence Wednesday and were taking him away for questioning over his short-lived imposition of martial law.

A warrant to detain Yoon was executed at 10:33 a.m., according to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

Live television footage showed a convoy of vehicles presumably carrying Yoon leaving the presidential residence compound in central Seoul to head to the CIO office in Gwacheon, south of Seoul.

Meanwhile, large crowds of people gathered outside the presidential residence Wednesday to rally for or against the impeached president, with a mix of outcry and cheers being heard as investigators made progress in their attempt.

Dozens of Yoon’s supporters lay themselves on the road near the residence in central Seoul earlier in the day in protest against investigators as they entered the compound to carry out a warrant for his detention.

Other supporters could be heard chanting Yoon’s name in support, while others prayed outside a church near the residence and protested to the police to stop what they called an illegal attempt to detain Yoon.

Those calling for Yoon’s detainment also gathered near the residence, watching news reports and cheering loudly whenever they heard of progress in the investigators’ attempt.