South Korea: Court Denies Prosecution's Bid to Extend Yoon's Detention
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Seoul court has denied the prosecution's request to extend President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention. The ruling comes amid ongoing investigations into allegations of his involvement in a controversial martial law attempt, raising significant political implications for South Korea.
Key Takeaways
- Seoul court denies extension for Yoon's detention.
- Investigations into martial law allegations ongoing.
- Yoon faces serious charges of conspiracy and power abuse.
- Possible snap presidential elections could follow impeachment ruling.
- Prosecution under pressure to act quickly.
Seoul, Jan 24 (NationPress) The Seoul court in South Korea rejected the prosecution's request to prolong President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention past the original timeframe on Friday.
Earlier that day, the special prosecution team probing the allegations concerning Yoon's brief attempt at martial law submitted a petition to the Seoul Central District Court, seeking to extend Yoon's detention until February 6.
This petition was filed just one day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) handed the case over to the prosecution.
On Friday, the court dismissed the extension request, citing a lack of probable cause for continued investigation under the prosecution's jurisdiction, given that the case had already been referred by the CIO.
The CIO had previously transferred the case to the prosecution, as it lacks the authority to indict a sitting president.
Legally, a suspect can be detained for a maximum of 10 days, with a potential extension of another 10 days. Yoon was arrested on Sunday.
With the court's refusal of the extension request, the prosecution now faces a tight deadline to conduct in-person interrogations of Yoon, who has so far been uncooperative with the CIO's investigation.
Reports indicate that the prosecution has been preparing an indictment in anticipation of the court's rejection of the extension.
Law enforcement is currently investigating Yoon for claims that he was the orchestrator of the martial law declaration on December 3, which has led to significant political unrest, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Yoon is accused of conspiring with former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to instigate a riot through the martial law declaration.
Additionally, he faces allegations of abusing his power by deploying troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree.
Currently, Yoon is detained at the Seoul Detention Centre located in Uiwang, just south of the capital. A trial is also ongoing in the Constitutional Court to decide whether to uphold or annul his impeachment by the National Assembly.
If upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, necessitating a snap presidential election within 60 days. If annulled, he will be reinstated.
