South Korean Prosecutors Seek to Extend President Yoon's Detention Amid Martial Law Probe
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean prosecutors have filed a second request to extend the detention of President Yoon Suk-yeol, following the Seoul Central District Court's rejection of their initial appeal. The move comes as authorities intensify their investigation into Yoon's alleged botched attempt to impose 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). \"Our pursuit of justice necessitates a thorough examination of all aspects surrounding this case,\" the office stated in a press release.
The prosecution's initial request to extend President Yoon's detention was made on Thursday after the CIO, having completed its own investigation, transferred the case to the prosecutors' office. However, the court ruled that there was insufficient justification for continued investigation, emphasizing that the prosecution's role is to decide on indicting Yoon rather than further probing.
Legal experts highlight that South Korean law mandates a clear separation between investigation and indictment to ensure fairness and prevent conflicts of interest. Despite the setback, the prosecution is expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other related offenses within the weekend.
President Yoon was apprehended at the presidential office on January 15, marking an unprecedented moment as the country's first sitting leader to be arrested. Subsequently, on January 19, a warrant was issued to keep him in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period.
The investigation stems from events on December 3 of the previous year when President Yoon declared martial law amid escalating political tensions. The National Assembly swiftly revoked the declaration just hours later. On December 14, the Assembly passed a motion to impeach Yoon, which was then delivered to the Constitutional Court. The court has up to 180 days to deliberate, during which Yoon's presidential powers are suspended.
The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to jointly investigate the insurrection charges, each conducting questioning sessions with the impeached president over ten days. The collaborative effort underscores the gravity of the charges and the commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation.
This unfolding political saga has captivated the nation and the international community, raising questions about South Korea's political stability and the implications for its democratic institutions. Business leaders and investors are closely monitoring the situation, assessing potential impacts on the country's economic landscape.
As South Korea navigates this challenging chapter, citizens and observers alike await the outcomes of the legal proceedings that will shape the nation's future trajectory.
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
