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Key Points

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team has challenged the legality of a special counsel's detention warrant request. They argue the move violates proper procedures and infringes on his rights while disputing the basis for the warrant. The special counsel accuses Yoon of obstructing investigations into corruption and martial law allegations. Meanwhile, authorities have also sought a travel ban as part of the ongoing probe.

Key Points: Ex-President Yoon Challenges Legality of Special Counsel Detention Request

  • Yoon's lawyers claim detention request lacks procedural legitimacy
  • Special counsel accuses Yoon of obstructing anti-corruption probes
  • Legal team disputes validity of citing police summonses
  • Travel ban sought amid insurrection investigation
2 min read

South Korea: Ex-President Yoon asks court to recognise 'illegality' of special counsel's detention warrant request

Former South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol's lawyers argue the special counsel's detention warrant request violates legal procedures and his rights.

"The special prosecutor's request for a detention warrant without basic procedures is a serious infringement on his rights. – Yoon's legal team"

Seoul, June 25

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's lawyers said on Wednesday that an independent counsel's request for a detention warrant for him is an unlawful act that lacks procedural legitimacy and violates his right to defence.

They made the claim in a written opinion submitted to the Seoul Central District Court, which is expected to decide whether to approve the warrant to detain Yoon on Wednesday at the earliest.

Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-suk's team filed for the detention warrant with the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday, accusing Yoon of ordering the Presidential Security Service to block the execution of a detention warrant against him by the state anti-corruption investigation agency in early January and delete his phone records with military commanders over his December 3 martial law imposition.

Cho's team also cited Yoon's refusal to comply with three summonses from the police for questioning over the allegations.

"Former President Yoon has not received a single summons notice from the special prosecutor to date. He has not even been given any information about the location of the special prosecutor's office, the prosecutor in charge and the prosecutor's office to be questioned," Yoon's lawyers said in the written opinion, Yonhap news agency reported.

"The special prosecutor's request for a detention warrant for the former president without going through all the basic procedures is an incomprehensible measure and a serious infringement on his right to defence and human rights."

They also noted that it is not legally valid for the special prosecutor to cite police summonses as the reason to seek a detention warrant because the independent counsel and the police are clearly separate investigative agencies.

Meanwhile, the special counsel investigating Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law bid has sought to impose a travel ban on him, sources said, as the team sought a warrant to detain the ousted former leader the previous day.

The special counsel, led by Cho Eun-suk, has filed for an overseas travel ban on Yoon with the justice ministry as part of follow-ups to investigate his insurrection charges after it took over the case from prosecutors and police earlier this week.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This case shows how even powerful leaders can be held accountable. In India, we've seen similar political dramas unfold. Hope South Korea's judiciary remains independent and fair in this high-profile case. The allegations about martial law imposition sound serious!
P
Priya M.
Interesting to see how other Asian democracies handle ex-leaders. In India, our former PMs usually get respect even after office. But if there's solid evidence of wrongdoing, no one should be above the law. 🇮🇳
A
Arjun S.
The procedural issues raised by Yoon's lawyers seem valid. In any democracy, due process matters. But deleting phone records? That's suspicious behavior for any leader. Hope the truth comes out without political interference.
S
Sunita R.
South Korea's political scene is so dramatic! 😮 First impeachment, now this. Makes me appreciate India's stable democracy despite all our challenges. But we should learn from their anti-corruption measures - their special prosecutors seem more effective than our agencies.
V
Vikram J.
The travel ban request shows they're serious about preventing him from fleeing. Reminds me of our own high-profile cases where accused try to go abroad for "medical treatment". Strong institutions are crucial for democracy.
N
Neha P.
As an Indian watching this, I wonder - why do so many Asian leaders face corruption charges after leaving office? Is it political vendetta or actual accountability? Either way, it's good citizens are demanding transparency from their leaders.

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