Seoul, South Korea — South Korean prosecutors on Saturday submitted a renewed request to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention, following a court's rejection of their initial plea a day earlier. The move is part of an ongoing investigation into Yoon's alleged attempt to declare martial law last month.
In a press release, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office stated that their right to conduct supplementary investigations on cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is recognized based on precedent. This justification underlies their latest bid to prolong the president's detention.
The prosecution's first attempt to extend Yoon's detention was made on Thursday, shortly after the CIO, which had completed its own investigation, transferred the case to the prosecutors' office. However, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the request, stating that prosecutors did not have sufficient grounds to continue investigating and were instead expected to decide on whether to indict the president.
According to South Korean law, the processes of investigation and indictment are separated to ensure fairness. Despite the court's decision, prosecutors are anticipated to indict Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses this weekend.
A warrant allowing authorities to keep Yoon in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by another court on January 19. This development marked the first time an incumbent South Korean president has been formally arrested. Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15.
The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to collaborate on the investigation into Yoon's insurrection charge, each conducting ten days of questioning. The National Assembly passed a motion to impeach Yoon on December 14 of last year, suspending his presidential powers and forwarding the case to the Constitutional Court for deliberation over a period of up to 180 days.
President Yoon is accused of declaring martial law on the night of December 3, a move that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly hours later. Investigative agencies have named him as a suspected ringleader in the attempted insurrection.
This unprecedented situation has plunged South Korea into political uncertainty, raising concerns among global investors and international observers about the country's stability and the potential impact on regional affairs.
(With input from Xinhua)
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
