South Korean Prosecutors Deny Third Arrest Request for Acting Presidential Security Chief
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Synopsis
On February 18, South Korean prosecutors denied a police request to arrest acting PSS chief Kim Seong-hoon for the third time. This refusal follows allegations of obstructing President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention, as protests intensify against the acting chief justice amid Yoon's impeachment trials.
Key Takeaways
- Prosecutors rejected the arrest request for Kim Seong-hoon.
- Allegations include obstructing the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
- Protests against Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae are ongoing.
- Concerns arise over potential bias in Yoon's impeachment trials.
- The National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon after martial law was declared.
Seoul, Feb 18 (NationPress) On Tuesday, South Korean prosecutors declined a police appeal for the third time to detain the acting chief of the Presidential Security Service (PSS), Kim Seong-hoon, amid allegations of his interference with the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office deemed the charges questionable and noted a low risk of him fleeing or destroying evidence, given his cooperation with investigators.
Additionally, a second request to apprehend Lee Kwang-woo, the head of the PSS bodyguard division, was also turned down for similar reasons.
The charges against both officials involve obstructing official duties and abuse of power, particularly after the PSS prevented authorities from detaining Yoon in January regarding his failed martial law attempt.
Earlier that day, Yoon’s supporters organized protests outside the residence of Moon Hyung-bae, the Acting Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. They aimed to influence ongoing impeachment trials related to Yoon.
Approximately 30 supporters gathered in the Jongno district, voicing their discontent with Moon and demanding his resignation, as well as the annulment of Yoon's impeachment.
Some protesters displayed signs reading, "Porn judge Moon Hyung-bae", amidst claims of his negligence regarding an Internet café's sharing of pornography among his high school peers, which police are investigating.
Supporters of Yoon and conservative lawmakers contended that Moon favors Lee Jae-myung, the Opposition leader, and is associated with a left-leaning judges' group, implying a bias against the impeached President.
Furthermore, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon following his unexpected imposition of martial law on December 3. He faces charges of leading an insurrection and has been arrested.
Yoon is also accused of deploying military personnel to the National Assembly to thwart lawmakers from rejecting the martial law declaration and of plotting to detain key political figures.
