South Korea court paves way for President Yoon's release from jail

A South Korean court cancelled impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest warrant on Friday, potentially paving the way for his release from jail while he faces trial on insurrection charges over a brief imposition of martial law, Reuters reports.

The ruling was based on the timing of the indictment that came after the initial detention period had expired, Reuters quoted Seoul Central District Court as saying in a statement, noting "questions about the legality" of the investigation process that involved two separate agencies.

The ruling did not dismiss the criminal charges that led to Yoon's arrest on January 15, and the case is separate from his impeachment which is still pending before the Constitutional Court.

Both were triggered by his December 3 martial law declaration that also led to the impeachment of the prime minister, who had taken over as acting president.

South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now acting head of state, and has sought to calm economic markets and reassure international partners amid chaos in government leadership.

Yoon's lawyers and his presidential office welcomed the district court decision, saying it showed the case against Yoon had been pursued for political purposes with no legal justification.

"The court's decision to cancel the arrest showed this country's rule of law is still alive," Yoon's lawyers said in a statement.

Yoon's lawyers called for his immediate release, though conceded he may not be immediately freed because prosecutors could appeal.