Yoon Refuses Special Counsel Summons Again
"Refusing Appearance Investigation Is Not a Right"
If Escorted, Appearance Unlikely to Be Disclosed
Former President Yoon Sukyeol refused to comply with the second summons from the special investigation team for insurrection led by Special Prosecutor Joeunseok on the 14th, prompting the team to initiate compulsory escort procedures against him.
Former President Yoon Sukyeol is boarding a transport vehicle to move to Seoul Detention Center, the waiting area, after completing the warrant hearing for abuse of power and other charges at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 9th. Yoon, who was the 'pinnacle' of the December 3 emergency martial law incident and had an arrest warrant requested by the special investigation team for the insurrection led by Special Prosecutor Joeunseok, now faces re-arrest 172 days after his warrant hearing for charges including insurrection leader on January 18. 2025.07.09 Photo by Joint Press Corps
Special Prosecutor Park Jiyoung stated in a briefing on the 14th, "We have sent an official request to the head of Seoul Detention Center to escort the suspect, Yoon Sukyeol, to the investigation room at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office by 3:30 p.m." Former President Yoon, who was rearrested on the 10th, had previously refused to comply with two requests from the special investigation team for questioning, citing 'health reasons.'
Special Prosecutor Park said, "The suspect, Yoon Sukyeol, did not appear, and neither the suspect nor his legal counsel expressed any intention not to attend, either in writing or verbally. However, the correctional authorities did convey his intention not to appear." She continued, "It is entirely natural within the criminal justice system to conduct an appearance investigation for a suspect under an executed arrest warrant. While the right to remain silent is the suspect's right, refusal to attend an appearance investigation as a detained suspect is not a right."
She also stated, "We are thoroughly maintaining the level of courtesy toward the former president that is expected and permitted by public perception for former presidents."
Regarding the possibility that former President Yoon might refuse compulsory escort on the grounds of meeting with his legal counsel, she said, "I believe he will come as requested." Special Prosecutor Park explained, "We will continue to attempt to execute the arrest warrant until 3:30 p.m. I hope and believe that the process will not reach the point of having to conduct an appearance investigation by compulsory escort."
Previously, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which had arrested and detained former President Yoon, also attempted compulsory escort and on-site investigations three times in January, but all attempts failed as he refused, citing meetings with his legal counsel.
If former President Yoon is escorted today, it is not expected that his appearance at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office will be revealed to the public. Special Prosecutor Park stated, "The appearance of a detained suspect is not disclosed as a rule."
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