South Korean prosecutors ask to extend impeached president's detention term

South Korean prosecutors have asked the court to extend the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol while they speed up their investigation for prosecution.

South Korean prosecutors on January 24 asked the court to extend the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to serve the investigation into the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, Yonhap news agency reported.

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attends his impeachment trial in Seoul on January 21.

Previously, the Corruption Investigation Office of Senior Officials (CIO) had referred the case to the prosecution for prosecution because the CIO did not have that authority over the president. The CIO recommended indicting Mr. Yoon for leading a rebellion by declaring martial law and abusing his power by sending troops to the National Assembly to block lawmakers from voting to lift martial law.

Yoon was formally arrested on January 19 and by law can be detained for 10 days, extendable by another 10 days. If the court approves, the impeached president could be held until February 6, according to South Korean officials. He may also be asked by prosecutors to participate in questioning during that time.

Prosecutors are said to be preparing to prosecute in case the court rejects the request to extend the detention order.

In addition to the criminal investigation, Mr. Yoon is also being impeached by the Constitutional Court. If found guilty, he will be removed from office and a presidential election will be held within 60 days. Otherwise, Mr. Yoon will be reinstated. Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol is being held at a detention center in Uiwang City, south of Seoul.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cong-to-vien-han-quoc-yeu-cau-tang-thoi-han-tam-giam-tong-thong-bi-luan-toi-185250124174602409.htm