South Korean prosecutors have filed a second request to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention, following an ongoing probe into his attempted imposition of martial law last month. The move comes after the Seoul Central District Court rejected an earlier request, stating that prosecutors needed to decide on indictment rather than continue the investigation.
In a press release on Saturday, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office cited precedent that recognizes the prosecution's right to conduct supplementary investigations on cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). \"Based on precedent, our right to conduct supplementary investigations on referred cases is recognized,\" the office stated, explaining the rationale behind their renewed request.
The initial request to extend President Yoon's detention was made on Thursday, shortly after the CIO, which had already conducted its investigation, transferred the case to the prosecutors' office. The court's rejection was based on the principle that investigation and indictment are separate processes to ensure fairness, and prosecutors should focus on deciding whether to indict.
President Yoon was arrested on January 15 at the presidential office, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been apprehended. A warrant allowing his detention for up to 20 days was issued on January 19, and he faces charges of insurrection and other offenses related to his declaration of martial law on December 3 of last year.
The National Assembly swiftly revoked the martial law declaration just hours after it was announced. Subsequently, on December 14, the Assembly passed a motion to impeach President Yoon, which was then forwarded to the Constitutional Court. During the court's deliberation period of up to 180 days, Yoon's presidential powers are suspended.
The CIO and the prosecution agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charge, with plans to question the impeached president for ten days each. Prosecutors are expected to make a decision on whether to indict President Yoon while he remains in detention.
This unprecedented political turmoil has significant implications for South Korea's governance and stability. Observers are closely watching the developments, as they may impact the nation's economic outlook and its relations within the broader Asian region.
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
