South Korean court extends arrest warrant for ex-president Yoon

January 02, 2026 / 8:30 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: A South Korean court issued a new arrest warrant for former president Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, extending his detention while he faces charges related to his 2024 attempt to impose martial law.

Charges and indictment

Prosecutors indicted Yoon in November on multiple counts, including aiding the enemy, claiming he ordered drone flights over North Korea to support his bid to declare military rule. The previous arrest warrant was due to expire on January 18, but the new order extends it for up to six months. "The warrant was issued under concerns he could destroy evidence," a Seoul Central District Court official told AFP.

Detention history

Yoon has been in custody for months as several criminal trials proceed. He briefly suspended civilian rule on December 3, 2024, sparking mass protests and a parliamentary crisis. He was removed from office in April.

Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be detained, initially arrested in January after resisting law enforcement with the help of his presidential security detail. He was released on procedural grounds in March but re-detained in July over concerns about evidence destruction.

Upcoming trial and potential sentence

Prosecutors are seeking a 10-year prison term for Yoon on obstruction of justice charges. The Seoul court is expected to deliver a verdict in that case on January 16.