Seoul:
South Korean investigators have summoned arrested President Yun Seok-Yeol for re-examination as authorities face a Friday deadline to obtain a warrant to extend his detention or release the embattled leader, Yonhap News reported. Ta.
Legal experts said investigators are expected to ask a court on Friday to approve a detention warrant for up to 20 days to keep Yun in custody for a longer period of time.
On Wednesday, Yun became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested in an investigation into whether he committed violence during the brief imposition of martial law in early December. He is being held at Seoul Detention Center.
Mr. Yoon's lawyers challenged the legality of his arrest, but the Seoul Central District Court rejected their objections late Thursday and ruled that Mr. Yoon's arrest was legal.
Yonhap News reported that Yun was summoned for questioning at 10 a.m. (1 p.m. Japan time) on Friday, citing the Office of the Chief Corruption Investigation (CIO), which is leading the criminal investigation. The CIO did not respond to requests for comment.
Yun has so far refused to answer questions from investigators, and it is unclear whether he will agree to appear for questioning on Friday. The previous day, Yun refused to be questioned and his lawyer was absent, citing health reasons.
Authorities have 48 hours to question the impeached president, after which they must either release him or apply for a detention warrant for up to 20 days.
Yonhap News Agency, citing the chief information officer, said the 48-hour countdown was scheduled to end on Friday night after a court adjournment to reconsider a challenge to his arrest.
Yoon's lawyer, Seok Dong-hyun, said on Friday that investigative authorities are expected to request a detention warrant, adding that the “illegality” of the arrest will be “more carefully and comprehensively considered” when the court reviews the warrant. I hope that it will be done,” he added.
South Korea is facing its worst political crisis in decades after Yun's attempt to impose martial law on December 3 was rejected by parliament.
Neighboring North Korea has largely avoided public comment on the political turmoil in Seoul, but Yun's arrest was reported in state media on Friday, two days after the incident.
Rodong Sinmun, citing foreign media, reported that this was the first arrest of a sitting president in South Korea.
Rodong Sinmun reported, “Yun Seok-Yeol sacrificed national order for personal gain and did not follow legal procedures.''
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