South Korea: Prosecutors Submit New Request for Yoon's Detention Extension After Court Rejection
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Synopsis
Prosecutors in South Korea have filed a renewed request to extend President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention following a court's earlier rejection. This comes amid ongoing investigations into his controversial martial law attempt, which has led to political turmoil and allegations of abuse of power.
Key Takeaways
- Prosecutors aim to extend Yoon's detention amid ongoing investigations.
- Previous court rejected their request for extension.
- Investigators claim a need for supplementary probes.
- Yoon faces serious allegations regarding martial law.
- His impeachment is currently being reviewed.
Seoul, Jan 25 (NationPress) Prosecutors on Saturday submitted a renewed request to prolong the detention of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol beyond the original timeframe as part of an investigation into his failed attempt to impose martial law last month. This request was made following a Seoul court's decision to reject the previous extension just a day earlier.
Within hours of the court's ruling, the special prosecution team involved in Yoon’s case approached the Seoul Central District Court for an extension of his detention until February 6, as per investigators' statements.
This request follows the transfer of the case from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to the prosecution, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
According to the prosecution, “Given previous instances where prosecutors conducted further investigations, including raids, on cases transferred from the CIO, it is acknowledged that the right to a supplementary probe is inherent.” They argued for the necessity of extending the detention period.
On the previous Friday, the Seoul Central District Court had turned down the extension, citing that there was insufficient justification for continuing the investigation since the CIO had already looked into the matter and referred it to the prosecution with an indictment request.
The CIO had earlier passed the case to prosecution because it lacks the authority to indict a sitting President.
Currently, law enforcement is probing Yoon over allegations that he was the orchestrator behind the martial law declaration on December 3, which has resulted in significant political unrest.
Yoon is accused of colluding with then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and other officials to incite a riot by declaring martial law and misusing his authority to dispatch troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree.
At present, Yoon is held at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, located south of the capital, while a trial in the Constitutional Court is ongoing to decide whether to uphold or nullify his impeachment by the National Assembly.
If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, leading to a snap presidential election within 60 days. Conversely, if dismissed, he will be reinstated.
