South Korean prosecutors are making another attempt to extend the detention of President Yoon Suk-yeol. This comes after their initial request was rejected by a Seoul court. President Yoon is under investigation for trying to declare martial law last month.
On Saturday, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office explained that they have the right to conduct further investigations, even in cases referred by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). They believe more time is needed to fully investigate the charges against President Yoon.
However, the Seoul Central District Court previously ruled that the prosecution didn’t have sufficient reason to continue their investigation. The court stated that the prosecution’s main role now is to decide whether to indict the president.
In South Korea, the processes of investigation and indictment are kept separate to ensure fairness. Despite the setback, prosecutors are expected to indict President Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses this weekend.
Earlier this month, on January 15, President Yoon was arrested at the presidential office, making him the first sitting president in South Korean history to be taken into custody. A warrant was issued on January 19, allowing authorities to keep him detained for up to 20 days.
The controversy began when President Yoon declared martial law on December 3 of last year. The National Assembly quickly revoked this declaration just hours later. Then, on December 14, they passed a motion to impeach him. During the impeachment process, which can last up to 180 days, President Yoon’s powers are suspended, and the Constitutional Court will decide his fate.
The CIO and the prosecution have agreed to work together, planning to question President Yoon over a period of ten days each regarding the insurrection charges.
This unprecedented situation has captivated South Koreans and observers around the world, raising important questions about leadership, accountability, and the rule of law.
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com