South Korea: Yoon Asserts Impeachment Trial Takes Precedence Over Martial Law Investigation
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Seoul, Dec 23 (NationPress) President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea asserts that his impeachment trial is of higher importance than the ongoing investigations into the brief imposition of martial law, according to his attorney on Monday. The lawyer dismissed accusations that Yoon is intentionally stalling both the investigation and trial processes.
Legal representative Seok Dong-hyeon communicated Yoon's position to the press, amid increasing criticism due to Yoon's refusal to cooperate with the summons from investigative bodies and to follow the necessary protocols set by the Constitutional Court in advance of his impeachment hearing later this week.
"The President believes that the impeachment trial procedures should take precedence over the ongoing investigations," Seok informed reporters.
He added, "The President is merely on temporary suspension from his duties and remains the president. No investigative authority can compel the president to appear and respond to inquiries."
Seok referenced the case of former President Park Geun-hye, who underwent her impeachment trial prior to being formally investigated in the scandal that resulted in her ousting.
Furthermore, Seok countered the notion that Yoon is deliberately postponing the investigative and judicial processes.
"Such a conclusion is hasty," he remarked. "We require adequate time to prepare and to diligently proceed with the impeachment trial."
Seok also raised concerns about whether it is suitable for the president to disclose details of state matters to investigative authorities, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"If we were to examine the emergency martial law, the President would need to disclose all relevant state affairs that influenced his decision," he stated.
"It is questionable whether the investigative bodies are genuinely equipped for that," Seok elaborated.
As someone under investigation, Yoon may be unable to provide a comprehensive statement to the probing teams, Seok noted.
"The primary platform for public discourse will ultimately be the open impeachment trial, which will be attended by justices from the Constitutional Court," he concluded.
