South Korea's court has denied the prosecution's second request to extend the detention of President Yoon Suk-yeol, according to multiple media outlets on Saturday.
The prosecution's special investigative headquarters had sought an extension of Yoon's arrest from the Seoul Central District Court early on Saturday, just hours after the court rejected the first extension request on Friday night.
The court ruled that the prosecution lacked the authority to conduct additional investigations into Yoon's case, as the anti-corruption agency had already investigated the matter. The prosecution is only responsible for deciding whether to indict Yoon.
Despite the court's decision, the prosecution is expected to indict Yoon on charges of insurrection and other offenses this weekend.
Yoon became South Korea's first incumbent president to be formally arrested when a warrant was issued on January 19, allowing him to remain in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period.
He was apprehended in the presidential office on January 15, following his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14 last year.
Yoon, identified as a suspected ringleader in an insurrection charge by investigative agencies, had declared martial law on December 3, which was later revoked by the National Assembly hours later.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
