Court Again Denies Extension for Arrest of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
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Synopsis
A Seoul court reiterated its rejection of prosecutors' request to extend the arrest of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing insufficient grounds for further investigation as the legal battle continues amidst serious allegations regarding his conduct during a political crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Seoul court denies extension for Yoon's arrest.
- Prosecutors cite need for further investigation.
- Yoon faces serious allegations including insurrection.
- Legal team argues against the validity of the CIO's investigation.
- Possible indictment before Monday's release deadline.
Seoul, Jan 25 (NationPress) A Seoul court on Saturday once more rejected the prosecutors' plea for an extension of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest, according to prosecution officials.
The Seoul Central District Court upheld its previous ruling that denied the initial request to prolong the detention of the impeached president, citing "similar grounds" as the ruling from the day before, a prosecution official stated.
The special prosecution team had submitted a new request to the court seeking to extend the warrant until February 6; however, the court declined, indicating it found minimal necessity for the prosecution to "supplement" the investigation currently being conducted by the anti-corruption agency.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) handed over the case to the prosecution earlier this week, as it lacks the legal authority to indict a sitting president.
In their plea for an extension, prosecutors argued the necessity to continue their investigation, particularly the in-person questioning of Yoon, given that the president has largely refused to cooperate with the inquiry.
The court's rejection places the onus on the prosecution to decide whether to indict him before they must release him by Monday. Reports from Yonhap news agency suggest that an indictment may occur as soon as Sunday.
Law enforcement is investigating Yoon over allegations that he orchestrated the imposition of martial law on December 3, a move that has led to a significant political crisis in the country.
Yoon is facing potential charges of insurrection and abuse of power for allegedly collaborating with then-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to incite a riot by declaring martial law and dispatching troops to parliament to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree.
He has been held at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, located south of the capital, since his formal arrest on December 19.
A trial in the Constitutional Court is also currently in progress to decide whether his impeachment by the National Assembly will be upheld or dismissed.
While Yoon has attended his impeachment trial at the top court, his legal team contends that the CIO's investigation is fundamentally flawed, advocating for Yoon's immediate release.
"The CIO's investigation itself is illegal and fundamentally null and void," stated Yun Gap-geun, his attorney, during a press briefing earlier today. "It is best that they cease all efforts to undermine the president."
