"Strict Investigation Following Law and Principles Regardless of Rank"
Park Se-hyun, Chief of the Special Investigation Headquarters for the Prosecutor's Office Emergency Martial Law, who is investigating the case of alleged rebellion charges against President Yoon Seok-yeol and former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, stated on the 8th that the prosecution has the authority to investigate this case.
Park Se-hyun, Chief of the Special Investigation Headquarters for Martial Law, briefing at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office press room in Seocho-dong, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 8th. Photo by Choi Seok-jin
At a briefing held in the afternoon at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-dong, Seoul, Park said, "To put the facts of this case simply, it is that a public official abused their authority to cause disorder in the national constitution by inciting a riot," adding, "This constitutes the elements of the crimes of abuse of authority and rebellion."
He continued, "The Prosecutors' Office Act stipulates that prosecutors can investigate cases directly related to the cases they initiate," and stated, "It cannot be said that the crimes of abuse of authority and rebellion are unrelated in this case."
Park also revealed that the prosecution has currently registered President Yoon Seok-yeol as a suspect on charges of rebellion and is investigating.
In response to reporters' questions asking, "Have you registered President Yoon as a suspect on rebellion charges?" he said, "Many related complaints have been received, and we are investigating according to procedures," adding, "If a complaint or accusation is made, it is procedurally correct to register (the person) as a suspect."
Meanwhile, when asked about the joint investigation with the police, who are known to have rejected the prosecution's proposal for a joint investigation, Park said, "If the police propose a joint investigation, we are willing to respond at any time."
He said, "I do not think it is important who conducts the initial investigation," adding, "What is important is a swift and strict fact-finding and punishment."
He further stated, "We hope the police will continue to discuss good measures with us in terms of the seriousness of the matter, efficient investigation, and protection of the basic rights of those involved," and "We will also try to make related efforts and consultations."
Park also mentioned that the prosecution has requested the court to coordinate with other investigative agencies regarding warrant applications related to this case.
However, when asked about plans for compulsory investigations such as warrant applications related to the key suspect, President Yoon, Park avoided a direct answer, saying, "It is difficult to comment on warrants that have not yet been received or investigations that have not yet been conducted."
The prosecution formed a special investigation headquarters on the 6th with 20 prosecutors and 30 investigators, and the day before, received an additional dispatch of 12 military prosecutors to conduct a joint investigation with the military prosecution.
In his opening remarks at the briefing, Park said, "The Special Investigation Headquarters for Emergency Martial Law will make every effort to ensure that no suspicion remains regarding this national critical incident," and added, "Regardless of rank or position, we are conducting a strict investigation solely based on law and principles, so we ask the public to trust and watch over us."
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