In Seoul, South Korean prosecutors are determined to challenge President Yoon Suk Yeol’s conviction for insurrection, despite a recent court decision that ordered the release of the impeached leader from prison. Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung stated on Monday that he respected the court ruling but disagreed with its assessment that the indictment filing had exceeded the legally permitted expiry time, thereby deeming Yoon’s detention during the trial unlawful. Shim emphasized that the prosecution would vigorously pursue the indictment, directing efforts to address various disputes during the trial.
Yoon has been facing a criminal trial since February 20 on charges of leading an insurrection by declaring martial law on December 3, which he rescinded after approximately six hours. Following Friday’s ruling, Yoon’s lawyers argued that the case against him was politically motivated and lacked legal basis. Yoon was released from detention on Saturday, nearly two months after his arrest, while he remains impeached by parliament and temporarily suspended from his duties. The Constitutional Court is now reviewing whether to reinstate him or permanently remove him from office, with a potential new presidential election within 60 days if the latter option is chosen.
The recent decision by the Seoul Central District Court to revoke Yoon’s arrest warrant, instead of extending his detention automatically during the trial, elicited mixed responses from the public and political parties. The prosecution opted not to appeal the ruling, citing previous Constitutional Court decisions that rejected similar appeals in other cases. Yoon was warmly received by supporters upon his release from the detention center, marking a significant moment as the first sitting president to be detained and indicted.
(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Ed Davies and Gerry Doyle)
