In an unprecedented legal move, South Korean prosecutors have filed a second request to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention following his controversial attempt to declare martial law last month. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced on Saturday that, based on legal precedent, they have the right to conduct supplementary investigations on cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
This renewed request comes after the Seoul Central District Court rejected an earlier bid by prosecutors to prolong President Yoon's detention. The court ruled that the prosecution lacked sufficient grounds to continue the investigation, stating that their role was to decide whether to indict the president rather than pursue further inquiries.
The prosecution's determination to extend the detention period underscores the gravity of the charges against President Yoon, who faces allegations of insurrection and other serious offenses. An indictment is expected to be filed 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 issued on January 19 authorized his detention for up to 20 days, including the arrest period.
The political turmoil began on December 3 of last year when President Yoon declared martial law. The declaration was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours later. Subsequently, on December 14, the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach the president. The case was then forwarded to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate. During this period, President Yoon's presidential powers are suspended.
The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charges, with plans to question the impeached president over the course of ten days each. The legal proceedings have captivated the nation, highlighting deep divisions within South Korea's political landscape.
By law, the processes of investigation and indictment are separated to ensure fairness. The prosecution's insistence on further investigation has sparked debate over legal protocol and the balance of power between judicial bodies.
The coming days are critical as South Korea awaits the prosecution's decision and the Constitutional Court's eventual ruling on the impeachment. The outcome will have significant implications for the country's leadership and its democratic institutions.
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
