South Korea's ousted leader freed amid coup allegations
The suspended President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been released from detention after more than 50 days. The Central District Court in Seoul granted this request made by his lawyers.
The suspended President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, was released from detention on Saturday, where he had been held for over 50 days. Yoon left the detention centre in the town of Uiwang, south of the capital.
The Central District Court in Seoul granted the request of his defence attorneys, who argued that the warrant issued on 19 January by the prosecutors was invalid due to procedural flaws. The prosecution does not intend to appeal this decision, which allows for Yoon's release.
- I would like to thank the Central District Court for their courage and determination in correcting the illegality - said Yoon as he left the detention centre amidst cheers from supporters and representatives of the ruling People Power Party.
Charges against the President
Yoon was detained on 15 January in connection with an investigation regarding his declaration of a state of emergency on 3 December of last year. The politician was indicted by prosecutors on 26 January on charges of "throwing the country and people into crisis."
The criminal proceedings in the Seoul court formally began on 20 February. The next hearing is scheduled for 24 March. Yoon will be answering the charges out of custody. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, the president can be held criminally liable during their term only in cases of charges of treason or a coup.
Yoon was suspended from his presidential duties after the parliament passed a motion for impeachment of the head of state on 14 December. The Constitutional Court is likely to make a decision in mid-March regarding either Yoon's reinstatement or impeachment.
