South Korean prosecutors have issued a second summons to President Yoon Suk-yeol, requesting his appearance for questioning over insurrection and other charges. The move follows a botched attempt to subpoena the impeached president last week.
The prosecution’s special investigation headquarters delivered the summons on Monday, asking President Yoon to appear at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. The investigation centers on allegations related to his imposition of martial law on the night of December 3, which was revoked by the National Assembly just hours later.
Last week, President Yoon defied the initial subpoena, reportedly stating that his defense counsel had yet to be formed. Should he comply with the summons, Yoon would become the first sitting president in South Korean history to appear at the prosecutors’ office as a criminal suspect.
On Saturday, the National Assembly passed a second motion to impeach President Yoon, which has been submitted to the constitutional court. The court will deliberate on the motion for up to 180 days, during which time President Yoon’s presidential powers will be suspended.
If the president continues to reject the summons without justifiable reason, prosecutors may seek an arrest warrant to detain him by force, escalating the nation’s political crisis. The unfolding situation has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally.
Observers are closely monitoring the developments, as the outcome of the impeachment proceedings and legal actions against President Yoon could have profound implications for South Korea’s political landscape.
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S. Korean prosecutors notify President Yoon of second summons
cgtn.com