South Korea: CIO Passes Yoon's Martial Law Case to Prosecution for Possible Indictment
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Synopsis
On January 23, the South Korean anti-corruption agency transferred its investigation of President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt to the prosecution, urging an indictment on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. The case involves serious allegations against Yoon and his associates.
Key Takeaways
- The CIO has forwarded its investigation to the prosecution.
- Yoon Suk Yeol faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
- He is currently detained while a trial regarding his impeachment is ongoing.
- The investigation documents exceed 30,000 pages.
- Further questioning and potential indictment are expected soon.
Seoul, Jan 23 (NationPress) The South Korean state anti-corruption agency has forwarded its inquiry regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law to the prosecution, recommending that he be charged with insurrection and abuse of power.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced that it has handed over all investigative materials to the prosecution, which comprises over 30,000 pages across 69 volumes. Notably, the CIO does not possess the authority to indict a sitting president.
During a press conference, Lee Jae-seung, the deputy chief of the CIO, stated, "The suspect is remaining uncooperative and is evading the established procedures of the criminal justice system despite facing serious national charges as an alleged leader of an insurrection."
He added, "Under these circumstances, we concluded that rather than persistently attempting to interrogate him, it would be more beneficial for the prosecution—responsible for the indictment—to amalgamate our investigation findings and further explore necessary aspects."
Yoon is accused of conspiring with then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to instigate a riot by declaring martial law on December 3.
Furthermore, he faces allegations of misusing his authority by deploying military personnel to the National Assembly to hinder lawmakers from rejecting the decree.
Currently, Yoon is detained at the Seoul Detention Centre located in Uiwang, south of the capital, as a trial in the Constitutional Court is underway to ascertain whether his impeachment by the National Assembly should be upheld or annulled.
If upheld, Yoon will be ousted from his position, prompting a snap presidential election within 60 days. Conversely, if dismissed, he will be reinstated.
The CIO managed to interrogate Yoon only once, on the day of his arrest at his residence last week; however, even then, the president chose to exercise his right to silence, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
He has ignored all subsequent summonses to appear for questioning and has refused to cooperate with investigators attempting to bring him forcibly to the CIO office from the detention center.
The prosecution is anticipated to seek an extension of Yoon's detention and to file charges following further questioning around February 5.
