Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has remained defiant inside his residence for a third consecutive day, resisting arrest amid a political crisis following his failed martial law declaration.
Yoon, who faces potential imprisonment or even the death penalty, has vowed to “fight” authorities seeking to question him.
Supporters and opponents have gathered outside his residence as police attempts to execute arrest warrants have been thwarted.
Yoon’s legal team is challenging the arrest order, while opposition lawmakers criticize his rhetoric as inciting unrest.
“The Republic of Korea is currently in danger due to internal and external forces threatening its sovereignty, and the activities of anti-state elements,” he said in a statement that was circulated around to protesters, his lawyer Yoon Kab-keun confirmed to AFP.
“I vow to fight alongside you to the very end to protect this nation,” he added, saying he watched the hundreds-strong protest on Wednesday evening on a YouTube livestream.
The situation escalates as discussions between prosecutors and police continue regarding his fate.
