South Korean prosecutors have made a second request to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention beyond its initial period, intensifying the legal battle surrounding his alleged botched attempt to declare martial law last month.
On Saturday, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced their decision to seek an extension after a Seoul court rejected their initial request the previous day. The prosecutors emphasized that, based on precedent, they have the right to conduct supplementary investigations into cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
The prosecution's initial request came on Thursday after the CIO, which had already investigated President Yoon's case, transferred it to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. However, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the prosecution lacked sufficient grounds to continue the investigation, stating that their role was solely to decide whether to indict the president.
\"The separation of investigation and indictment is essential to ensure fairness,\" the court noted, highlighting the legal framework designed to prevent abuse of power.
Despite the setback, prosecutors are expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses this weekend. A warrant to keep him in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by another court on January 19, marking the first time an incumbent South Korean president has been formally arrested.
The dramatic turn of events began on December 3 last year, when President Yoon allegedly declared martial law. The National Assembly swiftly revoked the declaration hours later. The impeachment motion against him was passed on December 14 and delivered to the Constitutional Court for deliberation, during which his presidential powers are suspended for up to 180 days.
In a rare move, the CIO and the prosecution agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charge, each planning to question the impeached president for ten days. President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15, making him the country's first sitting president to be arrested.
As the nation grapples with this unprecedented political crisis, the legal proceedings against President Yoon continue to unfold. The outcome holds significant implications for South Korea's democratic institutions and the rule of law.
(With input from Xinhua)
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
