In a significant development in South Korea's political landscape, prosecutors on Saturday made a renewed plea to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention. This move comes after a Seoul court rejected their initial request to prolong his detention related to his attempted declaration of martial law last month.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office cited legal precedent to justify their right to conduct supplementary investigations on cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). \"We recognize the necessity to further investigate the matter to ensure justice is served,\" the office stated in a press release.
The prosecution's first request to extend President Yoon's detention was made on Thursday, following the CIO's transfer of the case to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. However, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the request, stating that the prosecution merely needs to decide whether to indict the president.
Under South Korean law, the processes of investigation and indictment are separated to maintain fairness. Despite this, prosecutors are expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses over the weekend.
On January 19, another court issued a warrant to keep President Yoon in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, marking the first time an incumbent South Korean president has been formally arrested. The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charges, each questioning the impeached president for ten days.
President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15, following a motion to impeach him that was passed by the National Assembly on December 14. The motion was delivered to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate, during which time President Yoon's powers are suspended.
The controversy stems from President Yoon's declaration of martial law on the night of December 3, which was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours later. Investigative agencies have named him as a suspected ringleader in an insurrection attempt.
This unfolding situation marks a critical juncture in South Korea's democratic institutions, highlighting the checks and balances between the legislative and executive branches. The nation watches closely as legal proceedings continue, reflecting on the implications for its political future.
(With input from Xinhua)
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
