Prosecutors in the Republic of Korea have made a renewed request to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention, following an earlier rejection by a Seoul court. The request, submitted on Saturday, seeks additional time for a probe into Yoon's attempted imposition of martial law last month.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office stated in a press release that, based on legal precedent, they are entitled to conduct supplementary investigations on cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). This explanation comes after the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the prosecution lacked sufficient grounds to continue investigating Yoon's case, asserting that their role was limited to deciding whether to indict the president.
The prosecution initially requested an extension of Yoon's detention on Thursday when the CIO, which had already conducted its investigation, transferred the case to them. The court's subsequent rejection has prompted the prosecution to assert their right to further investigate, emphasizing the necessity of a thorough inquiry before proceeding to indictment.
Under South Korean law, the processes of investigation and indictment are separated to ensure fairness. The prosecution is expected to indict Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses this weekend.
President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been arrested. A warrant to keep him in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by a separate court on January 19.
The Corruption Investigation Office and the prosecution have agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charge, each planning to question the impeached president for ten days. Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended since December 14, when the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach him. The impeachment motion has been forwarded to the Constitutional Court, which will deliberate on the matter for up to 180 days.
Yoon is accused of being the ringleader in an attempted insurrection following his declaration of martial law on the night of December 3 last year. The National Assembly revoked the martial law declaration just hours later.
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
