South Korean prosecutors have intensified their efforts to keep President Yoon Suk-yeol in detention, submitting a renewed request on Saturday to extend his custody amid an ongoing probe into his alleged botched attempt to impose martial law last month. This move comes after the Seoul Central District Court rejected an earlier request on Friday.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office stated in a press release that, based on legal precedent, they possess the right to conduct supplementary investigations into cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). This justification underpins their latest request to prolong President Yoon's detention.
Legal Tug-of-War Over Detention
The prosecution's initial request for an extended detention was filed on Thursday, following the CIO's transfer of Yoon's 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, asserting that their role is to decide whether to indict the president rather than prolong the inquiry.
Under South Korean law, the separation of investigation and indictment is designed to ensure fairness in legal proceedings. Despite this, prosecutors are expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses as early as this weekend.
Historic Arrest and Impeachment Proceedings
On January 15, President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been arrested. A warrant issued on January 19 authorized his detention for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, making him the nation's first incumbent president to be formally detained.
The motion to impeach President Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 of last year. The case was then forwarded to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate. During this period, President Yoon's powers are suspended.
Allegations of Insurrection and Martial Law Declaration
Investigative agencies have named President Yoon as a suspected ringleader in an insurrection charge. He allegedly declared martial law on the night of December 3 last year, a move that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours later. The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to jointly investigate these serious allegations by questioning the impeached president over ten days each.
Implications for South Korea's Political Landscape
The unfolding legal battle and political turmoil surrounding President Yoon have significant implications for South Korea's democracy and governance. The attempts to detain a sitting president and the ensuing impeachment process are unprecedented in the country's history, raising questions about political stability and the rule of law.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the prosecutors' actions, the court's decisions, and how these events will shape South Korea's future.
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
