South Korean authorities have suspended a second attempt to execute a detention warrant for jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing safety concerns due to his “stubborn refusal” to cooperate.

The special counsel team, led by Min Joong-ki, attempted to bring Yoon in for questioning on Thursday over election meddling allegations. The effort was abandoned after prison officials warned that forcing compliance could lead to injury.

The warrant was initially issued to interrogate Yoon over accusations that he received illicit political support, including free opinion polls ahead of the 2022 presidential election. Yoon has been in custody since July 10 for a separate charge related to a failed attempt to impose martial law in December.

Yoon’s lawyers denounced the effort as “public shaming,” arguing that the detention was unnecessary if Yoon chose to remain silent. “Even if a warrant exists, it should not be enforced under such circumstances,” they stated.

Last week, the team’s first attempt failed when Yoon resisted by lying on the floor of his prison cell in underwear. With the warrant now expired, prosecutors may seek a fresh warrant or move to indict Yoon without direct interrogation.

Meanwhile, Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, underwent nearly 11 hours of questioning this week on charges of election meddling, bribery, and stock manipulation. She is the first spouse of a current or former president in South Korea to be publicly questioned as a suspect.

This marks the second detention warrant issued for Yoon. He was previously arrested in January over insurrection charges and held until his release in March.

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho has urged the detention center to fully cooperate with the special counsel team going forward.