Seoul: South Korea’s anti-corruption agency has formally requested prosecutors to indict President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection and abuse of power following his controversial declaration of martial law. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced the transfer of Yoon’s case to the prosecutors’ office on Thursday, citing allegations that he led an insurrection, abused his authority, and obstructed the rights of others.
The CIO, established in 2021 as an independent anti-graft agency, is tasked with investigating high-ranking officials, including the president and their family members. However, under South Korean law, the agency lacks prosecutorial authority and must refer cases to the prosecutors’ office for further action.
Martial Law Declaration Shocks Nation
Yoon’s case stems from his brief and contentious declaration of martial law on December 3. The move, which was overturned by parliament within hours, caused nationwide outrage and drew international attention. Yoon has been in custody since January 15, marking the first-ever arrest of a sitting South Korean president.
The CIO has stated that Yoon’s detention is scheduled to end on January 28. However, they anticipate that prosecutors will seek a 10-day extension to continue their investigation before formally filing charges.
Lack of Cooperation from Yoon
Since his arrest, Yoon has refused to cooperate with CIO investigators, declining summonses and avoiding questioning. Lee Jae-seung, the deputy chief of the CIO, expressed frustration over Yoon’s lack of cooperation, saying, “Despite the fact that the suspect is under serious allegations that he was ringleader of an insurrection, he continues to be uncooperative to this day, not responding to the criminal justice proceedings and refusing our questioning itself.”
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Legal Challenges and Counterarguments
Yoon’s legal team has challenged the CIO’s authority to handle the case, arguing that the agency’s jurisdiction does not extend to allegations of insurrection. They have also stated that any criminal investigation should be delayed until the Constitutional Court rules on Yoon’s impeachment trial.
In a statement issued Thursday, Yoon’s lawyers accused the CIO of conducting an “illegal investigation” and emphasized that prosecutors must adhere to the law while handling the case.
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Prosecutors Take Over
The CIO has led a joint investigation with police and the defense ministry but believes it would be more efficient for the prosecutors to manage the case going forward. The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office has declined to comment on the matter.
Yoon, a former top prosecutor before assuming the presidency, now faces legal scrutiny from within the very prosecutorial system where he once served.
