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South Korean investigators question arrested President Yoon in insurrection probe

News Mania Desk / Piyal Chatterjee / 15th january 2025

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was taken into custody and interrogated by officials on Wednesday concerning a criminal insurrection inquiry, stating that he was merely cooperating with what he deemed an unlawful investigation to prevent violence.

His apprehension, the first for a sitting South Korean president, marks the latest shocking event for one of Asia’s most dynamic democracies, notwithstanding the nation’s record of prosecuting and jailing past leaders. Following lawmakers’ vote to impeach and dismiss him after his brief Dec. 3 martial law announcement, Yoon has been sheltering in his hillside home, secured by a contingent of presidential guards that thwarted an earlier arrest effort.

He consented to come in for interrogation after over 3,000 police officers ready to apprehend him surged to his home early on Wednesday.

A man whose identity is not known perished that evening after igniting himself in proximity to the offices where Yoon was being questioned, reported Yonhap News Agency. Reuters was unable to promptly verify the incident. “I chose to react to the CIO’s investigation – even though it was an unlawful investigation – to avert unpleasant bloodshed,” Yoon stated in a declaration, alluding to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) that is leading the criminal probe.

A prosecutor traveled with Yoon in his vehicle from his residence in the affluent area dubbed Seoul’s Beverly Hills to the stark CIO offices, where he entered through a rear entrance, evading the press. Officials now have 48 hours to interrogate Yoon, after which they need to obtain a warrant to hold him for a maximum of 20 days or let him go.

Nonetheless, Yoon is declining to speak and has not consented to have interviews with investigators filmed, according to a CIO official. The CIO stated that it had no details on why Yoon was unwilling to speak.  The inquiry will proceed after Yoon completes a meal of bean paste soup, according to the CIO official, but it remains undetermined if it will extend into the late hours.

Yoon’s attorneys argue that the arrest warrant is unlawful since it was issued by a court lacking proper jurisdiction, and the team formed to investigate him had no legal authority to proceed. A search warrant for Yoon at his home, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, identified him as the “ringleader of insurrection”. According to a CIO official, presidential guards were posted on the CIO floor during Yoon’s interrogation, but he will probably be detained at Seoul Detention Centre, the same facility that has housed other notable individuals like former President Park Geun-hye and Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee.

Separate to the criminal investigation, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment by parliament and permanently remove him from office or restore his presidential powers.The U.S. remains committed to working with the government in Seoul and appreciates all its efforts and citizens “to act in accordance with the Constitution”, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said in statement.

The top government spokesperson in neighbouring Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi, told a daily news briefing that Tokyo was following developments in South Korea “with particular and serious interest”.The latest arrest attempt, which began before dawn, gripped the nation with hundreds of thousands glued to live feeds showing busloads of police arriving near the presidential residence, pushing past Yoon supporters and then walking towards the gates of the compound carrying ladders and wire cutters.

As local news broadcasters reported that Yoon’s detention was imminent, some minor scuffles broke out between pro-Yoon protesters and police near the residence, according to a Reuters witness at the scene.Throngs of protesters, who also gathered outside the CIO offices, waved South Korean and American flags and held posters bearing “Stop the Steal” slogans referring to Yoon’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud – one of the reasons he gave to justify his short-lived martial law declaration.

In a handwritten note shared on his Facebook page, Yoon mentioned that he was frequently labeled foolish for refusing to compromise. He stated that the evidence of election fraud was too substantial to be regarded as a conspiracy theory, even while admitting “there isn’t enough evidence to convict any individual for it.” The National Election Commission, one of the entities targeted by troops sent by Yoon during martial law, has rejected claims of election fraud, stating that the electoral system is transparent and duly monitored with adequate oversight.

Some of Yoon’s backers have likened his situation to that of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who similarly alleged that voter fraud led to his election loss in 2020 but bounced back for an impressive political resurgence. “It is truly heartbreaking to witness our nation disintegrating,” remarked Kim Woo-sub, a 70-year-old retiree demonstrating against Yoon’s detainment outside his home on Wednesday.  “I continue to hold great expectations for Trump to back our president.” “Election fraud is a shared issue, but the U.S. also relies on South Korea to counter China,” he stated.

Although surveys indicate that most South Koreans oppose Yoon’s martial law declaration and favor his impeachment, the political deadlock has energized his supporters, leading to a resurgence for his People Power Party (PPP) in recent weeks.

 

According to the latest Realmeter poll released on Monday, support for the PPP was at 40.8%, while the leading opposition Democratic Party had 42.2%, within the margin of error and decreasing from a 10.8% gap from the previous week.

‘We sing to them’: LA stables become Noah’s Ark for rescuing animals from fires

Piyal Chatterjee

The trailers came simultaneously, transporting hundreds of horses escaping the Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles. Certain horses arrived alone, while others traveled in trailers filled with companion animals. Some had their own owners, while others came by themselves, delivered by their rescuers or animal control. Next came pigs, donkeys, and small horses. In just 24 hours, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center became a contemporary version of Noah’s Ark. In the past week, it has provided refuge for numerous animals from the catastrophe as part of its designated function as one of the city’s major animal shelters. The establishment, located in the shadow of Griffith Park, has welcomed over 200 horses, in addition to the approximately 500 already residing there.

Jennie Nevin, a representative for the equestrian center, stated that last Tuesday and Wednesday were “chaos.” The establishment recorded each horse that came in, ensuring they could be brought back together. Providing shelter for the animals incurred no expenses for the owners, due to the generosity of public donations and regular contributions of free hay, feed, and other necessities. Sergio Marcial was among the many individuals who brought animals to this place after their own shelters were damaged or in danger.

A week earlier, he and his girlfriend Jenny Bacon hurried to assist in rescuing over 70 animals from the Eaton Dam Stables, facing such fierce flames that his face mask ignited and his eyeglasses cracked and distorted. His attempts led him to the hospital, where his lungs and throat stung from breathing in the scorched air. A week later, Mr. Marcial, 29, and Ms. Bacon, 30, took Arthur and Playboy – two small horses he aided in rescuing that evening – for a walk around their new residence. In this place, they were protected from the flames, and they appeared relaxed and welcoming despite all they had faced.

“It still hurts when I swallow,” Mr. Marcial remarked, gesturing towards the face mask he must wear to avoid infections. “I would repeat it all – without a doubt.” The majority of the owners of the sheltered animals have been located, and some owners spent Tuesday afternoon leading their horses around the stables. Many volunteers attended to the other animals residing at the center. A few had turned into local personalities.

Morris and Mika, two donkeys, often stuck their heads out of their stables to seek attention. They escaped down the mountain with their owner as the Palisades fire approached, and were brought back together because he had spray-painted his number onto their sides.

“They really enjoy it when you sing to them,” said volunteer Lucena Herrera. “We’ve all been welcoming them and looking after them.” However, a few animals remain unclaimed. A small horse called Izzy had not yet located her owner one week after the fires. The volunteers had collectively taken her in until she could secure a new, permanent residence. So many volunteers arrived to assist the animals that the staff had to turn some away, Ms. Nevin stated. Between 50-100 volunteers are currently raking stalls, feeding the animals, fluffing hay, and singing to Morris and Mika whenever they became restless.

According to London Scott, founder of the local Cali Cowboy Club, witnessing the reunions between owners and their horses was one of the most meaningful experiences for volunteers. “It’s truly a lovely experience to witness,” Ms. Scott remarked, “To observe it up close, and realize that you played a small role in providing someone with a bit of comfort during a heartbreaking time.”

Those present express a profound connection to their animals and mention that the farms that were destroyed represent a tranquil oasis within this busy urban environment.

“They provide me with comfort,” Catherine Armenta, 42, stated. “It feels like a bond, a connection I don’t quite share with anything else on this earth.” Numerous people present are uncertain about what comes next and where they could take their pets once the turmoil of the ongoing fires raging in the Los Angeles area concludes.

“I haven’t managed to process any of this at all.” “There are 40 horses to look after,” Ms. Bacon stated. “When all is said and done, I believe we’re all going to get margaritas and simply have a good cry.”

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