On the afternoon of July 9th, and into the evening, the Seoul Central District Court in South Korea conducted a 6 hours and 40 minutes interrogation before arrest, known as the necessity review for arrest. Around 2 AM on July 10th, an arrest warrant was issued, citing “concerns about (the suspect) destroying evidence.” Following this, the special investigation team responsible for investigating the emergency martial law incident subsequently carried out the arrest. This marks the fourth time that Yi Sye-hyun has been arrested within four months since his release.
The process of detaining Yi Sye-hyun at the detention center is similar to that of ordinary criminal suspects. Firstly, the detention center confirms his personal information and assigns a prisoner number. After undergoing a medical examination, Yi Sye-hyun will change into prison clothing and take a photo for the suspect registration. Once the detention procedures are completed, he will be placed in a single cell measuring approximately 12 square meters.
It is reported that the cell is equipped with a storage cabinet, foldable dining table, television, toilet, foldable mattress, and bedding. Additionally, it is noted that the layout of Yi Sye-hyun’s new cell is similar to the last one, but this time, there is no air conditioning installed, only a fan. Reports indicate that South Korea is experiencing high temperatures, with some cities surpassing 40°C. Currently, all prisoners at the detention center have received hand fans.
Moreover, Yi Sye-hyun had a previous number of “10” when he entered the detention center, and now he will have a new number. Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, shared his experiences in the Seoul detention center: “It was very hot in summer, with only a small fan installed on the ceiling, which would shut off at set times.” He stated, “(Because of the heat) I couldn’t sleep at all; I had to constantly go to the adjacent toilet to splash water on myself, but the guards were too noisy to allow me to do so.” It was mentioned that former President Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye also spent their summers in detention.
The detention center indicated that although Yi Sye-hyun is no longer the president, considering his unique status, certain arrangements will be made. However, his meals remain the same as those of other detainees. It is reported that the breakfast menu at the Seoul detention center on July 10th includes mini cheese bread and steamed potatoes.
With the court issuing the arrest warrant, the presidential guard service has ceased providing security for Yi Sye-hyun. According to relevant regulations, authorities can provide security measures to the former president and his wife at any time deemed necessary. However, due to Yi Sye-hyun’s arrest, his related treatment no longer applies.
Before the court issued the arrest warrant, Yi Sye-hyun gave a 20-minute final statement. During his statement, he mentioned his wife Kim Jong-hee’s independent investigation case. He said, “If my defense attorney defended my wife as well, it might create some conflict of interest, so I am very worried. Please consider this matter at your disposal.”
Red Star News, Li Jingrui, comprehensively from Xinhua News Agency