South Korean prosecutors have once again requested to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention, following their investigation into his attempted declaration of martial law last month. This move comes after the Seoul Central District Court rejected their initial request, igniting a legal debate over the prosecution's authority in such high-profile cases.
In a press release, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office emphasized 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.\" The prosecution's renewed request underscores their intent to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding President Yoon's actions.
The initial request to extend President Yoon's detention was made on Thursday after the CIO, having completed its investigation into the case, transferred it to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. However, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that there was insufficient justification to continue the investigation, stating that the prosecution's role was now limited to determining whether to indict the president.
By law, the processes of investigation and indictment in South Korea are separated to ensure fairness. Despite this, the prosecution is expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses this weekend.
Earlier, on January 19, another court issued a warrant to keep President Yoon in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been 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, becoming the country's first incumbent leader to be arrested. His detention follows a tumultuous period in South Korean politics, as the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach him on December 14 last year. The impeachment motion was delivered to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate, during which time President Yoon's powers are suspended.
The controversy centers on President Yoon's declaration of martial law on the night of December 3 last year, a move that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours later. Investigative agencies have named him as a suspected ringleader in an alleged insurrection, casting a shadow over his presidency and prompting widespread debate over the limits of executive power.
As legal proceedings continue, the nation watches closely, reflecting on the balance between governmental authority and the rule of law. The outcome of this case is poised to have significant implications for South Korea's political landscape and its democratic institutions.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
