In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean prosecutors have filed a renewed request to extend the detention of President Yoon Suk-yeol following an investigation into his attempted declaration of martial law last month. The move comes after the Seoul Central District Court dismissed an earlier request on Friday, citing insufficient grounds for continued investigation.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office stated in a press release that, based on precedent, their right to conduct supplementary investigations on cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is recognized. \"We believe it is imperative to thoroughly investigate the charges against President Yoon to uphold the rule of law,\" the office asserted.
The initial request to extend President Yoon's detention was made on Thursday when the CIO, which had already conducted its own probe, transferred the case to the prosecutors' office. The court, however, held that the prosecution's role was limited to deciding whether to indict the president, not to further investigate, emphasizing the legal separation between investigation and indictment to ensure fairness.
Despite the setback, prosecutors are expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses this weekend. A warrant allowing authorities to keep him in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by another court on January 19. This unprecedented action has made Yoon the first sitting president in the Republic of Korea's history to be formally arrested while in office.
The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charge, each planning to question the impeached president over a span of ten days. President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15, deepening the political crisis engulfing the nation.
The National Assembly passed a motion to impeach President Yoon on December 14 of last year. The case has been forwarded to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate, during which time President Yoon's executive powers are suspended.
The controversy centers around President Yoon's declaration of martial law on the night of December 3, a move that was quickly revoked by the National Assembly just hours later. Investigative agencies have named him as a suspected ringleader in an alleged insurrection attempt, plunging the country into political turmoil.
This unfolding situation has significant implications for the Republic of Korea's political stability and its democratic institutions. Observers both domestically and internationally are closely monitoring the developments, as the outcome could reshape the nation's political landscape.
(With input from Xinhua)
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
