Questioned on Obstruction of CIO Arrest and Orders to Delete Secret Phone Records
Insisted on Private Appearance but Ultimately Appeared Publicly
The special prosecutor team led by Cho Eunseok, which is investigating the rebellion and treason cases related to the 12·3 Martial Law, began its in-person questioning of former President Yoon Sukyeol on June 28. Yoon, who appeared at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office for questioning, kept his lips tightly sealed and quickly entered the building.
The special prosecutor's office announced that the questioning of former President Yoon began at 10:14 a.m. that day. The rebellion special investigation team is expected to start its questioning by addressing allegations such as obstruction of official duties for interfering with the execution of arrest warrants by the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, as well as instructing related parties to delete records of secret phone calls.
This is the first time this year that investigative authorities have summoned "suspect Yoon Sukyeol" for questioning since the Corruption Investigation Office's inquiry on January 15. However, during the previous questioning by the Corruption Investigation Office, Yoon exercised his right to remain silent, making this special prosecutor's questioning effectively the first substantive investigation. It is considered unlikely that Yoon, who is currently on criminal trial for rebellion charges, will exercise his right to remain silent during the special prosecutor's investigation.
Meanwhile, at around 9:55 a.m., former President Yoon arrived at the main entrance of the building where a press photo line had been set up, riding in an official vehicle. Wearing a black suit and a red tie, Yoon exited the vehicle.
When asked by reporters, "Is there a reason you did not enter through the underground parking lot?", "How do you feel about facing Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok as a suspect after eight years?", and "Will you exercise your right to remain silent again this time?", Yoon did not respond and immediately entered the building. Attorneys Song Jin-ho and Chae Myung-sung, who will be present during the questioning, accompanied him.
Previously, Yoon's side had intended to make an undisclosed appearance by using the underground parking lot of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, where the rebellion special prosecutor team is located. However, after the special prosecutor's team reiterated that this was not permitted, Yoon ultimately made a public appearance through the main entrance. Only his request to delay his appearance by one hour, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., was accommodated. It is said that Yoon requested the change in time for health reasons.
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