South Korean Presidential Office Applauds Court's Ruling to Free Yoon from Detention
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Synopsis
The South Korean presidential office has welcomed a court ruling that released impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from detention, expressing hope for his swift return to office. The ruling was seen as a reaffirmation of the rule of law in South Korea, while opposition lawmakers protested against the decision.
Key Takeaways
- The court's ruling was welcomed by the presidential office.
- Yoon Suk Yeol was detained on charges of inciting an insurrection.
- The ruling reaffirms the rule of law in South Korea.
- Opposition lawmakers are calling for an appeal.
- The investigation was criticized as unjust and theatrical.
Seoul, March 7 (NationPress) The presidential office of South Korea expressed its approval on Friday regarding a court's ruling that led to the release of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from detention, conveying optimism for his prompt return to his duties.
In an official statement, the presidential office remarked, "We welcome the decision to annul the president's arrest."
"The unjust and theatrical investigation conducted by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which lacks investigative authority, has been justly rectified, albeit late," the statement continued.
"Both the presidential office and the public are hopeful for the president's swift reinstatement in office," it added.
Immediately following the court's ruling, the chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, led a meeting with high-ranking aides.
Kwon Young-se, the acting leader of the ruling People Power Party, conducted a press briefing at the National Assembly, calling the court's ruling a "significant moment that reaffirms the rule of law and justice in South Korea."
"Together with the citizens, we appreciate the court's judicious ruling made in line with legal standards and ethics," he stated. "I trust that the Constitutional Court will also deliver a fair and just ruling grounded solely in constitutional principles."
In contrast, opposition lawmakers vociferously protested Yoon's release and called for the prosecution to promptly file an appeal, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Yoon had been held at a detention center since being apprehended on January 15 for allegedly inciting an insurrection during his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law last December.
The Seoul Central District Court stated that it approved Yoon's request in February to revoke his arrest and release him, after establishing that the January 26 indictment on insurrection charges, which permitted an extension of his detention, was issued mere hours after the original detention period had lapsed.
The initial 10-day detention timeframe does not count the period when documents were sent to the court for reviewing the issuance of an arrest warrant, effectively moving the deadline of Yoon's detention to around 9 a.m. on January 26, whereas the prosecution charged him shortly before 7 p.m. that day, according to the court.
