Ankara: South Korean prosecutors have filed a court warrant seeking the arrest of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The charges relate to his alleged involvement in the destruction of a martial law decree document linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose emergency rule last December.

According to Anadolu Agency, the writ request was submitted by Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk's team, accusing Han of helping Yoon enforce the decree on December 3, 2024. This move follows Han's third session of questioning by prosecutors. Han is believed to have participated in drafting and destroying a revised version of the decree after the lifting of martial law and is also accused of perjury during his testimony at the National Assembly in February.

Prosecutors have presented surveillance footage from the presidential office, suggesting Han reviewed martial law documents, which contradicts his previous testimony. Han had initially claimed ignorance of the decree until a cabinet meeting on December 4, the day martial law was lifted. He later admitted to discovering a copy of the decree in his back pocket, and during recent questioning, confessed that Yoon personally handed him the document.

Han was one of six Cabinet members summoned by Yoon prior to the announcement of the martial law decree. In related developments, former first lady Kim Keon Hee remains in custody on charges including bribery and election interference. Her detention, alongside her husband, ex-President Yoon-who was arrested last month-marks an unprecedented event in South Korea's history, as it is the first time a former presidential couple has been detained simultaneously.