Above the law? Ex-president’s refusal to face prosecution alarms South Korea

Once South Korea’s chief prosecutor and president, now its most high-profile prisoner, Yoon Suk-yeol has refused for days to leave his cell for questioning, as the investigation deepens into his martial law plot and alleged drone provocations of Pyongyang.

Since his rearrest on Thursday last week, Yoon has repeatedly declined to comply with a summons from special prosecutors, citing chronic health issues, including diabetes.

Three separate attempts have been made this week to transfer him to the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office. Each time, Yoon has refused to cooperate.

Prison authorities say that, due to his status as a former president, they cannot use force to remove him from his cell.

Yoon’s behaviour is undermining public trust in the rule of law, according to Assistant Special Prosecutor Park Ji-young.