South Korea: Prosecutors Interrogate Acting Head of Presidential Security Service in Martial Law Investigation
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Synopsis
On January 24, South Korean prosecutors interrogated the acting head of the PSS, Kim Seong-hoon, amid an inquiry into the temporary imposition of martial law. This investigation follows various legal proceedings involving President Yoon Suk Yeol, raising significant legal and political implications.
Key Takeaways
- Prosecutors are investigating the martial law bid.
- PSS Deputy Chief Kim Seong-hoon was questioned.
- Police previously detained Kim on obstruction charges.
- President Yoon's detention may be extended.
- Legal ramifications for Yoon and his administration are significant.
Seoul, Jan 24 (NationPress) On Friday, South Korean prosecutors conducted an inquiry with the acting head of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) as part of their investigation into the brief implementation of martial law.
The special investigation team from the prosecution began questioning PSS Deputy Chief Kim Seong-hoon around 10 am as a witness.
Last week, police apprehended Kim on accusations of attempting to obstruct investigators from executing a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding his martial law initiative.
While police later pursued an arrest warrant for Kim, he was released after the prosecution dismissed it.
On Friday, police renewed their request for an arrest warrant for Kim, alleging he obstructed official duties and exercised his authority improperly.
Reports suggest that police have obtained testimonies from PSS officials indicating that Kim and another senior PSS member were preparing firearms during the execution of the second warrant against Yoon, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Earlier in the day, South Korean prosecutors requested an extension of President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention until early next month, aiming to expedite the investigation into his brief martial law attempt.
This action follows a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) transferred the case to the prosecution, citing a lack of legal authority to indict a President.
The special prosecution team investigating the martial law case submitted the request to the Seoul Central District Court to prolong Yoon's detention period until February 6, according to officials.
Legally, a suspect may be detained for up to 10 days, with an option for an additional 10-day extension. Yoon was detained on Sunday.
If the court consents to the extension, the prosecution is expected to carry out in-person interrogations; however, it remains uncertain whether Yoon will choose to cooperate.
Should the court reject the extension request, the prosecution is reportedly preparing an indictment.
