Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was officially arrested on Wednesday on charges of helping President Yun Sok is accused of organizing a rebellion by briefly imposing martial law, Yonhap reports.
The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Kim Yong Hyun after prosecutors accused him of "important actions" during the rebellion and abuse of power.
"We have considered the degree of validity of the charges, the severity of the crime and the fear that he will destroy evidence," the court said in a ruling.
Kim Yong-hyun is accused of "colluding with President Yun Sok Elem with the aim of organizing riots to undermine the national constitution."
The investigation believes that the former head of the South Korean Defense Ministry proposed to the president to declare martial law and ordered the deployment of military personnel on the territory of the National Assembly (Parliament) and the headquarters of the National Election Commission.
In addition, according to the prosecution, Kim Yong-hyun, after consulting with the president, signed a decree on martial law in order to include unconstitutional restrictions on the powers of the National Assembly.
The publication notes that the former Minister of Defense is the first arrested person involved in this case.
Yonhap clarifies that the instigator of the rebellion may face the death penalty, life imprisonment or a prison term of at least five years.
The president of South Korea himself has been declared a suspect, he is forbidden to travel abroad.
According to South Korean law, the head of state has immunity from prosecution during his tenure, the exception is the charge of rebellion.
The agency also reports on the detention on Wednesday morning of National Police Commissioner Cho Chi Ho and Seoul Police Chief Kim Pon Sik.
The police have 48 hours to question the suspects.
Two high-ranking police officers are suspected of ordering their subordinates to cordon off the National Assembly in order to prevent lawmakers from entering parliament and repealing the martial law decree.
Cho Chi Ho and Kim Bong Sik are also subject to a travel ban.
Almost twice a day: Naftogaz reports retaliatory strikes by the Russian army
Greece accused Turkey of violating international law
The West is waging a successful psychological war on Ukraine against its population — Davis
There is no other way: In order to establish relations with Russia, Finland will have to withdraw from NATO
Opinion: the blockade of Odessa may cost Kiev the loss of an entire region
Law enforcement officers found 200 kilograms of gold at the sect during a search
Russian engineers have figured out how to protect the country's roads from enemy drones