Gwangju High Prosecutors Criticize Yoon for Abandoning Immediate Appeal on Cancellation of Detention

As the Supreme Prosecutors' Office reiterated its position that it would not file an immediate appeal against the cancellation of President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention, prosecutors from the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office publicly expressed their opposition. They criticized the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's decision, stating, "There is a strong opinion within the prosecution that a general appeal should be filed, and we cannot understand the decision."

According to a report by Yonhap News on the 13th, a prosecutor from the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office said, "Even though it is possible to file an immediate appeal despite the cancellation of President Yoon's detention, it is difficult to understand why it is not being done." Requesting anonymity, he added, "The Supreme Prosecutors' Office's decision to forgo an immediate appeal also means they will not pursue a general appeal. Many frontline prosecutors believe that at the very least, a general appeal should be filed. Even the Chief of the Court Administration mentioned the necessity of an immediate appeal, but I do not understand why the Supreme Prosecutors' Office is not taking action."

On the 8th, President Yoon Seokyeol, who was released from Seoul Detention Center, got out of his car in front of the residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, and raised his hand to supporters. Photo by Yonhap News

He continued, "Local prosecutors are greatly concerned about the confusion on the ground following this cancellation of detention," and added, "Although opinions vary, there is a consensus that the confusion should at least be addressed through the appeal process."

Internal opposition to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's decision has already surfaced. After Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung decided to forgo an immediate appeal and ordered the release following the cancellation of President Yoon's detention, a prosecutor from the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office requested the disclosure of related materials from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, pointing out, "Only by doing so will prosecutors within the organization not question the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's command."

A prosecutor from the Mokpo Branch also expressed, "No matter how much I review the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act, I cannot understand the court's decision," and added, "The decision to forgo an immediate appeal is even more incomprehensible."

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office has not officially stated its reasons for abandoning the immediate appeal. However, as opposition grows within the prosecution, attention is focused on whether the Supreme Prosecutors' Office will provide further explanation or take additional action.