South Korea’s suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol is yet to attend the second summons by anti-corruption authorities for investigating his recent martial law decree. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials had requested Yoon’s presence in the questioning scheduled for Wednesday, but up to 10 am on Christmas day, he was still absent. This follows his refusal to appear last week.
An official from within the agency, which is probing the investigations, stated that it would continue to wait for Yoon on the following Wednesday and continued to review the case before it would probably request an arrest warrant. Yoon also did not appear for a separate summons being issued by the prosecutors on December 15 about the martial law declaration.
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His refusal to appear at the summons summons has led to increasing criticism, with opposition groups calling for his arrest on the grounds of possible destruction of evidence. Yoon declared in a televised address on December 7 that he would not avoid legal and political responsibility in actions taken.
On December 14, parliament impeached Yoon for the brief imposition of martial law, and the Constitutional Court is thus tasked with determining whether he is to be removed or restored to presidential powers. Prosecutors, police, and the Special Corruption Investigation Office are investigating charges such as insurrection, abuse of power, and other possible crimes. Insurrection is one of the few charges that leaves the South Korean president without immunity.
A lawyer advising Yoon has mentioned his willingness to show his opinion at any marital law-related legal proceedings. Yoon Suk Yeol assumed office as president earlier this year. On the other hand, a few days back, he issued a martial law order that was short-lived, and it has sparked national controversy. This very much condemned and immediately withdrawn order has made the center of various potential investigations regarding power abuse and law violations. Yoon was suspended from office after impeachment, and his future as president now lies before the Constitutional Court.