South Korea: Spy Agency Chief and Security Adviser to Testify in Yoon's Impeachment Proceedings
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Synopsis
The South Korean Constitutional Court has called the spy agency chief and the top security adviser to testify in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial. This critical event will see significant testimonies that may influence Yoon's political future amidst allegations surrounding his martial law attempt.
Key Takeaways
- Spy agency chief and security adviser summoned as witnesses.
- Trial crucial for President Yoon Suk Yeol's future.
- Allegations of martial law attempt on December 3.
- Former officials involved in alleged election fraud are also witnesses.
- Six hearings held since the trial began on December 27.
Seoul, Jan 31 (NationPress) The South Korean Constitutional Court has sanctioned the chief of the spy agency and the top security adviser to provide testimony during the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol, as confirmed by a court official on Friday.
The Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Cho Tae-yong, and National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik are mandated to appear in court on February 13 and 11, respectively, according to court spokesperson Cheon Jae-hyun during a media briefing.
These two high-ranking officials have been included in the list of witnesses for this critical trial, which will ultimately decide Yoon's fate regarding his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3.
Additionally, former Third Deputy NIS Director Baek Jong-wook and Kim Yong-bin, the secretary-general of the National Election Commission, have also been approved as witnesses. They are under suspicion for their involvement in the alleged “election fraud” that Yoon claimed justified his martial law declaration, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The court has also approved former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to testify in the trial.
Since the impeachment trial commenced on December 27, there have been six hearings, including two preliminary sessions. Yoon has participated in the last two main trial hearings, with the next session scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday.
Earlier today, Yoon convened with senior aides at the Seoul Detention Centre and encouraged them to continue their work without losing morale.
This meeting took place with Chung Jin-suk, his Chief of Staff, National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik, along with three other senior aides at the detention center located in Uiwang, south of Seoul.
This was the first interaction between Yoon's aides and the impeached President since his formal detention on January 19, linked to allegations of insurrection and abuse of power regarding his brief martial law imposition last month.
