South Korea's ex-first lady Kim arrested
The court granted the warrant, citing the risk of tampering with evidence, after prosecutors submitted an 848-page opinion laying out Kim's alleged "unlawful acts".
With the arrest, South Korea now has a former president and first lady both behind bars for the first time in the nation's history.
The charges against Kim include violations of capital market and financial investment laws, as well as political funds laws.
The arrest caps a dramatic fall for the ex-first couple after former president Yoon Suk Yeol's stunning martial law declaration on December 3, which saw soldiers deployed to parliament but was swiftly voted down by opposition MPs.
Yoon, a former top prosecutor, was impeached and removed from office in April over the martial law declaration, prompting the country to hold a snap election in June.
He has been under arrest and in detention since July 10.
Last week, Kim underwent hours-long questioning by prosecutors, who filed for her arrest warrant the next day.
"I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance," Kim said as she arrived at the prosecutors' office on Wednesday.
Controversy has long surrounded Kim, with lingering questions about her alleged role in stock manipulation.
Public criticism was reignited in 2022 when a left-wing pastor filmed himself presenting her with a Dior handbag that she appeared to accept.
She is also accused of interfering in the nomination process for MPs in Yoon's party, a violation of election laws.
Yoon, as president, vetoed three special investigation bills passed by the opposition-controlled parliament that sought to probe the allegations against Kim, with the last veto issued in late November.
A week later, Yoon declared martial law.
Mug shot
Under prison regulations, Kim will have to change from her normal clothes into a khaki prison uniform and be assigned an inmate number.
She will also have to take a mug shot.
The ex-first lady is being held in a 10-square-meter (107-square-feet) solitary cell that has a fan but no air-conditioning, as a heat wave grips South Korea.
According to the prison's official schedule, she was offered a regulation breakfast including bread, jam and sausages.
Local media reported that her cell includes a small table for eating and studying, a shelf, a sink and a toilet, but no bed.
While she would typically have been held at the same detention centre as her husband, prosecutors on Monday requested that she be detained at a separate facility about 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) away.
Upon the issuance of the warrant, the first lady's Presidential Security Service protection was terminated immediately.
Kim can be held for up to 20 days as prosecutors prepare to formally indict her, legal expert Kim Nam-ju told AFP.
"Once Kim is indicted, she could remain detained for up to six months," said lawyer Kim Nam-ju.
The former first lady can challenge the warrant in court as unlawful, "but given the current circumstances, there appears to be a high risk of evidence destruction, making it unlikely that the warrant will be revoked and the individual released," he added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sustainability Times
3 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
Satellite Photos Show "Shadow City Swallowing the Horizon" as China Constructs Unprecedented 1,000-Acre Stronghold With Alarming Speed
IN A NUTSHELL 🛰️ Satellite images reveal China's construction of a vast underground military command center near Beijing. near Beijing. China's project underscores its strategic ambitions to rival the United States and reshape global power dynamics. to rival the United States and reshape global power dynamics. The development has significant implications for global security , potentially altering military alliances worldwide. , potentially altering military alliances worldwide. Neighboring countries are reassessing their security strategies amid concerns over China's growing military influence. In recent times, the unveiling of China's ambitious military project has captured the global spotlight, raising questions about the future of international security dynamics. Satellite images have revealed the construction of a vast underground military command center near Beijing. This development underscores China's strategic aims to rival the United States and potentially reshape the global balance of power. As observers closely monitor these events, the implications for both regional and international security cannot be understated. Understanding China's motivations and the potential global ramifications is crucial as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve. China's Ambitious Military Vision China's latest military endeavor reflects a grand vision reminiscent of Cold War-era strategies. Since the 1980s, China has been developing specialized teams focused on creating underground shelters designed to withstand significant threats. The origins of these efforts can be traced back to the Cold War, a period characterized by an arms race and the construction of bunkers by countries like the Soviet Union and Germany. Today, China is advancing this concept to unprecedented levels, aiming to build the largest underground military command center in history. The sheer scale of this project is a testament to China's desire to secure its military assets against potential threats. With rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in Asia, the development highlights China's commitment to strengthening its defense infrastructure. It also signals an evolution in military strategies, where technological advancements and strategic positioning are pivotal to national security. This project not only showcases China's military ambitions but also its long-term vision for maintaining a robust defense posture. '96% Quieter at 373 MPH': China Unveils Maglev Tunnel Boom Buffer That Could Replace Short-Haul Flights Without Extra Construction Costs Implications for Global Security The construction of China's underground military complex has far-reaching implications for global security. As China expands its military capabilities, neighboring countries and global powers are reassessing their security strategies. This development is not merely about military might; it represents a shift in the balance of power across Asia and beyond. The strategic significance of this project cannot be overstated, as it may reshape military alliances and defense strategies worldwide. China's actions are likely to provoke reactions from other major powers, potentially leading to an arms race reminiscent of the Cold War. The United States, in particular, may feel compelled to bolster its military presence in the region to counterbalance China's growing influence. This scenario raises critical questions about the future of international relations and the potential for conflict or collaboration in addressing shared security challenges. How nations respond to China's military ambitions will be pivotal in shaping the global security landscape. 'China Wants to Catch Ghosts Under the Sea': World's Largest Underwater Telescope Could Unlock the Most Dangerous Secrets of the Universe Technological Sophistication and Strategic Depth At the core of China's military project is a focus on technological sophistication and strategic depth. The underground command center is expected to integrate advanced technologies, ranging from state-of-the-art communication systems to innovative defense mechanisms. This technological prowess reflects China's broader ambitions to emerge as a leading military power, capable of rivaling the technological advancements of the United States and other global military giants. The strategic depth of this project also mirrors China's long-term vision for its defense strategy. By investing in subterranean infrastructure, China aims to ensure the resilience and sustainability of its military capabilities. This approach not only safeguards its assets from conventional threats but also positions China as a formidable force in future conflicts. This development represents a new chapter in China's military history, characterized by innovation and strategic foresight. It reflects a commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture in an ever-evolving global landscape. 'China Just Changed the Game' as Massive Zirconium Find Boosts Strategic Reserves 5-Fold and Sparks Pentagon Panic Over Hypersonic Race Regional Reactions and Future Prospects The revelation of China's underground military complex has prompted varied reactions across the region. Neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation, with some voicing concerns over the potential impact on regional stability. Others are considering strategic partnerships and alliances to counterbalance China's growing military presence. This development has undoubtedly sparked a reevaluation of defense strategies across Asia, as nations seek to navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape. Looking ahead, the future prospects of this project depend on China's ability to manage its regional relationships and address the international community's concerns. The success of this undertaking could redefine China's role on the global stage, potentially paving the way for new alliances and diplomatic engagements. However, it also raises important questions about the potential for conflict and cooperation in a world defined by military prowess and strategic competition. As China's military ambitions unfold, the world watches with bated breath. The construction of this underground command center is a clear indicator of China's determination to assert its influence and secure its interests. In an era of rapid geopolitical changes, how will other nations respond to China's growing military might? Will this development lead to increased cooperation or heightened tensions among global powers? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
France 24
4 hours ago
- France 24
France in discussions with Mali over ‘unjustified' arrest of its citizen
France 's foreign ministry said Saturday that it was in talks with Mali over the arrest of a Frenchman accused of working with intelligence services to "destabilise" the country, calling the claims "unjustified". "Discussions are underway to clear up any misunderstanding" and obtain the "immediate release" of the French embassy employee in Bamako, the ministry said. Mali authorities said Thursday that the French national had been arrested on suspicion of working for the French intelligence services, and accused "foreign states" of trying to destabilise the country. The West African country's ruling junta, which came to power after back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, also said that dozens of soldiers had been detained for allegedly seeking to overthrow the government. France's foreign ministry said the arrested employee was covered by the Vienna convention on consular relations, meaning he should be released. Impoverished Mali has been gripped by a security crisis since 2012, fuelled notably by violence from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State jihadist group, as well as local criminal gangs. The junta, led by President Assimi Goïta, has turned away from Western partners, notably former colonial power France, to align itself politically and militarily with Russia in the name of national sovereignty.
LeMonde
17 hours ago
- LeMonde
Federal judge denies the Trump administration's request to end a policy protecting immigrant children in custody
A federal judge ruled on Friday, August 15, to deny the Trump administration's request to end a policy that has been in place for nearly three decades that is meant to protect immigrant children in federal custody. US District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles issued her ruling a week after holding a hearing with the federal government and legal advocates representing immigrant children in custody. Gee called last week's hearing "déjà vu" after reminding the court of the federal government's attempt to terminate the Flores Settlement Agreement in 2019 under the first Trump administration. She repeated the sentiment in Friday's order. "There is nothing new under the sun regarding the facts or the law. The Court therefore could deny Defendants' motion on that basis alone," Gee wrote, referring to the government's appeal to a law they believed kept the court from enforcing the agreement. In the most recent attempt, the government argued they had made substantial changes since the agreement was formalized in 1997, creating standards and policies governing the custody of immigrant children that conform to legislation and the agreement. Gee acknowledged that the government made some improved conditions of confinement, but wrote, "These improvements are direct evidence that the FSA is serving its intended purpose, but to suggest that the agreement should be abandoned because some progress has been made is nonsensical." Attorneys representing the federal government told the court the agreement gets in the way of their efforts to expand detention space for families, even though Trump's tax and spending bill provided billions to build new immigration facilities. Tiberius Davis, one of the government attorneys, said the bill gives the government authority to hold families in detention indefinitely. "But currently under the Flores Settlement Agreement, that's essentially void," he said last week. The Flores agreement, named for a teenage plaintiff, was the result of over a decade of litigation between attorneys representing the rights of migrant children and the US government over widespread allegations of mistreatment in the 1980s. The agreement set standards for how licensed shelters must provide food, water, adult supervision, emergency medical services, toilets, sinks, temperature control and ventilation. It also limited how long US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could detain child immigrants to 72 hours; the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) then takes custody of the children. The Biden administration successfully pushed to partially end the agreement last year. Gee ruled that special court supervision may end when HHS takes custody, but she carved out exceptions for certain types of facilities for children with more acute needs. In arguing against the Trump administration's effort to completely end the agreement, advocates said the government was holding children beyond the time limits. In May, CBP held 46 children for over a week − including six children held for over two weeks and four children held 19 days − according to data revealed in a court filing. In March and April, CPB reported that it had 213 children in custody for more than 72 hours, while 14 children − including toddlers − were held for over 20 days in April. The federal government is looking to expand its immigration detention space, including by building more centers like one in Florida dubbed " Alligator Alcatraz ," where a lawsuit alleges detainees' constitutional rights are being violated.
