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SEOUL: A South Korean court canceled the arrest warrant of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, but he remains behind bars with the prosecution likely to appeal.
Yoon’s lawyers filed a request to cancel his arrest warrant last month, arguing his detention was unlawful because the prosecution had waited too long to indict him.
“It is reasonable to conclude that the indictment was filed after the defendant’s detention period had expired,” said a document from the Seoul Central District Court.
“To ensure procedural clarity and eliminate any doubts regarding the legality of the investigative process, it would be appropriate to issue a decision to cancel the detention,” the court added.
The president was impeached and detained for his December 3 declaration of martial law.
But his lawyers said the cancelation of his arrest does not necessarily mean that he will be released straight away.
“Even if the court decides to cancel the detention, the defendant is not immediately released,” Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, said Friday.
“The defendant will be released only if the prosecutor waives the right to appeal, or does not file an appeal within the prescribed period.”
Prosecutors did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.
The opposition Democratic Party slammed the court decision.
“The prosecution must immediately appeal, to ensure a ruling that aligns with the public’s sense of justice,” said opposition party floor leader Park Chan-dae.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, plunged democratic South Korea into turmoil in December by briefly suspending civilian rule and sending soldiers into parliament.
He has been charged with insurrection for his martial law declaration, which lawmakers voted down within hours before impeaching him.
The 64-year-old resisted arrest for two weeks, in a tense standoff between his security team and investigators at his official residence in Seoul. He was finally taken into custody on January 15.
He also faces an impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, which will determine whether his removal from office is upheld.
The hearings for that case wrapped up last week, with the court’s eight judges to decide Yoon’s fate behind closed doors. A verdict is expected in mid-March.
South Korea must hold a fresh presidential election within 60 days if Yoon is removed.
Lawmakers at Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) hailed the court’s decision Friday.
“Although overdue, this is a very welcome decision,” said MP Kwon Young-se.
“The arrest itself raised numerous concerns, when considering the investigative process that led to it,” said Kwon.
“This is a crucial moment that reaffirms the rule of law and justice in South Korea,” he added.
Overjoyed supporters quickly gathered in front of Yoon’s house, waving Korean and US flags.
AFP reporters also saw at least 100 supporters in front of the detention center where Yoon is being held, chanting “dismiss the impeachment” and “for the president we voted.”
The court decision on Yoon’s detention is “entirely unrelated” to the ongoing impeachment trial, the opposition party spokesperson Han Min-soo said.
Friday’s ruling “will not affect the proceedings” regarding Yoon’s formal removal from office by the Constitutional Court, Han added.
Much of the impeachment trial has centered on whether Yoon violated the constitution by declaring martial law, which is reserved for national emergencies or times of war.
The opposition has accused him of taking the extraordinary measure without proper justification.
Yoon’s lawyers have said he declared martial law to alert the country to the dangers of “legislative dictatorship” by the opposition.

RIYADH: Modhi Alkanhal, who recently won the Best Female Player of the Year prize, presented by Hilton, at the annual Saudi Esports Federation Awards, believes gaming and esports is helping to empower women across the Kingdom.

Alkanhal — whose triumph was her third SEF Award in succession — is one of a growing number of Saudi Arabian women who have been able to pursue professional esports careers.

Playing under the gamertag Madv, Alkanhal is an in-game leader for the elite Saudi Arabian side Team Falcons Vega, where she stars in Valorant.

Figures issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology show that 48 percent of the Kingdom’s gamers are women.

With the number of gamers in Saudi Arabia totaling some 23.5 million, nearly 70 percent of the country’s population, the potential for women in the sector is huge.

Research from consultants Redseer indicates that 69 percent of online women in the Kingdom are gamers — 1 percent more than their male counterparts.

“I am so proud to witness how much the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is supporting women empowerment in esports,” said Alkanhal, who is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 and her 22nd birthday on March 10.

“I feel like Saudi has already achieved that level where it is a global nation in the gaming and esports landscape. Having so many women involved in gaming and esports is a huge part of that.

“Women are being empowered through gaming. I am proud to be part of such a development, and hopefully I get the chance to proceed with it. Also, I hope women across Saudi continue to get the chance to further their own passions, interests and success stories in esports.”

She says a large part of that empowerment stems from the work of the Saudi Esports Federation, the regulatory body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the community and industry.

Through initiatives such as Girls in Esports, the Women’s League, and the establishment of all-female esports teams, the SEF has played a key role in creating opportunities for women in competitive gaming.

The organization provides training, mentorship and platforms for female gamers to compete at national and international levels, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

The federation’s activities are categorized into two streams. The first works to develop all levels of competitive gamers, starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes that can achieve global excellence.

The second sets out to develop the entire gaming and esports ecosystem and enable talent. Through its programs, the federation ensures that women are supported in their journey to becoming professional gamers and industry leaders.

“The work the Saudi Esports Federation has done has changed the landscape for gamers in Saudi,” said Alkanhal. “I thank them for everything that they have done.”

Alkanhal, who started playing at 10, “relishes being at the forefront of elite Saudi women’s esports.

“I am proud of the achievements I’ve done so far; it’s an indescribable feeling,” she said. “It pushes me and gives me the motivation to self-improve for the upcoming years.

“I know that there are very talented female players in this country. That means more hard work and long, tiresome feelings, but more capabilities.

“I am proud to be playing fulltime and I’d like to thank everyone who supports me. All your positive support reaches me, and I hope I will be able to continue at the same level of quality.”