South Korean prosecutors are pushing to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention as investigations into his attempts to declare martial law continue. This move comes after a Seoul court denied their initial request, marking a significant development in the country's political landscape.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office has justified the request by referencing established precedents that grant the prosecution the authority to conduct further investigations on cases handled by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). This follows the CIO transferring Yoon's case to the prosecutorial office after conducting its own investigation.
Previously, a Seoul district court ruled that there was insufficient reason to prolong the investigation, emphasizing the separation of investigation and indictment to maintain fairness. However, prosecutors are now aiming to bring charges against Yoon, potentially including insurrection, making him the first sitting South Korean president to face formal arrest.
Yoon was detained in the presidential office on January 15 following a motion to impeach him, which was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 last year. The impeachment led to the suspension of his presidential powers while the constitutional court deliberates the case over the next six months.
The situation highlights the complexities of South Korean politics and raises important questions about executive power and legal accountability in the highest offices of government.
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Prosecutors seek to extend Yoon's detention after martial law probe
cgtn.com
