South Korean prosecutors have made a second request to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention beyond its initial period, following a probe into his failed attempt to impose martial law last month. This move comes after a Seoul court rejected their initial request the previous day.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office stated in a press release that, based on precedent, the prosecution's right to conduct supplementary investigations on cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is recognized. This explanation was given to justify their renewed request.
The prosecution's first request for an extension of President Yoon's detention was made on Thursday, after the CIO, which had already investigated the case, transferred it to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.
However, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the prosecution had insufficient grounds to continue the investigation, stating that they only needed to decide whether to indict President Yoon.
Under South Korean law, investigation and indictment are separated to ensure fairness in the judicial process.
The prosecution is expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses this weekend.
A warrant to keep President Yoon in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by another court on January 19, making him the country's first incumbent president to be formally arrested.
The CIO and the prosecution agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charge by questioning the impeached president for ten days each.
President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been arrested.
The National Assembly passed a motion to impeach President Yoon on December 14 of last year, which was delivered to the Constitutional Court for deliberation of up to 180 days, during which his presidential powers are suspended.
President Yoon, identified by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader in an insurrection case, declared martial law on the night of December 3 last year. However, the National Assembly revoked it just hours later.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
