Police: "Agreement to Maintain Joint Investigation Headquarters System... Second Warrant Execution Fully Possible" (Comprehensive)

Recognition of Legal Defects in Public Office Investigation Agency's Official Document
President Yoon's Whereabouts Confirmed
Verification of Private Soldiers' Mobilization by the Security Office

The Special Investigation Unit of the National Police Agency announced on the 6th that the execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol is being carried out under the Joint Investigation Headquarters (Joint Headquarters) system.

President Yoon Suk-yeol. Photo by Yonhap News

A representative of the Special Investigation Unit told reporters in the afternoon, "We have consulted to some extent with the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HOCI)," adding, "Although we cannot disclose detailed information, it has been agreed to maintain the Joint Headquarters system." He continued, "This means that the execution of the arrest warrant and the investigation will be conducted through consultation within the Joint Headquarters," and said, "We are reviewing methods to execute the arrest warrant within the limits that do not deviate from the overall framework."

The police rejected the HOCI's official letter entrusting the execution of President Yoon's arrest warrant, citing legal defects. According to the Special Investigation Unit, around 7 a.m., they received an official letter from HOCI titled 'Directive for Execution of Arrest and Search Warrants.' The letter cited Article 47 of the HOCI Act, Articles 81, 291, 200-6, and 115 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act as grounds for entrusting the police with the execution of the arrest warrant. A representative of the Special Investigation Unit pointed out, "There has never been a case where the police executed a warrant on behalf of the prosecution in the past."

The Special Investigation Unit has confirmed President Yoon's whereabouts and believes that a second execution of the arrest warrant is possible. Regarding the withdrawal during the execution of the arrest warrant on the 3rd due to safety reasons, a representative of the Special Investigation Unit said, "I think it will be possible if we prepare sufficiently."

The police stated regarding the legal controversy over the arrest warrant, "The court has made a primary judgment, and there is no problem with the validity of the warrant."

The Special Investigation Unit explained that they are "continuously reviewing" the Presidential Security Service's installation of circular barbed wire around the bushes outside the presidential residence.

Regarding HOCI's willingness to execute the warrant, the police said, "It seems you are making your own judgments," and when asked whether they would arrest on the spot during the second execution, they responded, "We are thinking as the question implies."

The Special Investigation Unit confirmed partial mobilization of enlisted soldiers by the Security Service, including the 55th Guard Unit, and stated, "We have confirmed some mobilization and congestion," adding, "Two units stationed near the presidential residence are correct."

Currently, 49 individuals have been registered as suspects in connection with the December 3 emergency martial law incident, including 25 officials from the Presidential Office, ruling party, and government, 19 military personnel, and 5 police officers.