Seoul, South Korea — In a significant development, South Korean prosecutors have once again requested an extension of President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention as they continue their investigation into his attempted imposition of martial law last month. This move comes after a Seoul court rejected their initial request on Friday.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced on Saturday that they have the right to conduct supplementary investigations into cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). \"Based on precedent, our right to further investigate is recognized,\" the office stated in a press release, explaining their decision to seek an extension.
The prosecution's first request to prolong President Yoon's detention was made on Thursday after the CIO, which had previously investigated the 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 limited to deciding whether to indict the president.
Under South Korean law, the processes of investigation and indictment are separated to ensure fairness. The prosecution is now expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other related offenses this weekend.
President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15, marking the first time an incumbent South Korean president has been arrested. A warrant permitting his detention for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by another court on January 19.
The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charges, each questioning the impeached president over a span of ten days. President Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended since the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach him on December 14 last year. The motion has been submitted to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate.
The controversy began when President Yoon declared martial law on the night of December 3 last year, a decision that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours later. Investigative agencies have named him a suspected ringleader in the attempted insurrection.
The unfolding legal proceedings have captivated the nation, raising concerns over political stability and the implications for South Korea's democratic institutions.
(With input from Xinhua)
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
