South Korean prosecutors have made 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 Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced on Saturday that they have sought to prolong Yoon's detention beyond the initial period, after a Seoul court rejected their previous request.
In a press release, the prosecution explained that, based on legal 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 within our jurisdiction to continue investigating President Yoon's case to ensure a thorough legal process,\" stated a spokesperson from the prosecutors' office.
The initial request to extend the president's detention was made on Thursday when the CIO, having already conducted its own investigation, transferred the case to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. However, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the prosecution lacked sufficient grounds to continue the investigation, emphasizing that their role is to decide whether to indict the president rather than to conduct further probes.
Under South Korean law, the processes of investigation and indictment are separated to maintain fairness. Despite the court's decision, the prosecution maintains that additional investigation is necessary. They are expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses within the weekend.
An arrest warrant allowing President Yoon to be held in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by another court on January 19. This marked a historic moment, as Yoon became the first incumbent president in South Korea to be formally arrested.
The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charges by questioning the impeached president for ten days each. President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15, becoming the country's first sitting president to face arrest.
The National Assembly passed a motion to impeach President Yoon on December 14 last year, which was subsequently delivered to the constitutional court for deliberation. The court has up to 180 days to review the case, during which President Yoon's executive powers are suspended.
The charges stem from President Yoon's declaration of martial law on the night of December 3 last year. The martial law was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours after its announcement. Investigative agencies have identified President Yoon as a suspected ringleader in an alleged insurrection attempt.
As the nation watches closely, the unfolding political turmoil has raised concerns about stability and governance in South Korea. The proceedings in the coming days are expected to have significant implications for the country's leadership and future direction.
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
