"Past Investigations of Two Former Presidents Were Conducted Through On-Site Visits"
Reference to Former Presidents Park Geunhye and Lee Myungbak
Yoon Again Refuses Summons by Special Prosecutor for Insurrection Case
On July 15, former President Yoon Seokyeol's legal team criticized the Cho Eunseok Special Prosecutor's Office for attempting to forcibly bring him to the investigation room, calling it "an act intended to publicly humiliate a former president."
Former President Yoon Seokyeol is entering the courthouse to attend a pre-arrest detention hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on the afternoon of the 9th. Photo by Joint Press Corps
In a statement released that day, Yoon's legal representatives said, "The special prosecutor is insisting solely on forced escort rather than focusing on whether the investigation should be conducted," adding, "This is nothing more than an attempt to publicly shame a former president."
The legal team stated, "If an investigation is necessary and the purpose is a face-to-face interrogation, the location is not essential," and added, "In fact, in the past, investigative authorities have visited detention centers to question two former presidents." Previously, prosecutors attempted 'in-prison investigations' by visiting detention centers where former Presidents Park Geunhye and Lee Myungbak were held.
They further commented, "The assistant special prosecutor is pressuring the suspect as if there is no alternative to forced escort, disregarding or distorting the principles of voluntary investigation, established practices, and the law."
The legal team stated, "Before invoking the law and principles against a former president who is now an ordinary citizen, the special prosecutor, who is exercising public authority, must adhere to due process and stop making unjust threats against the suspect and his attorneys." They continued, "If the intention is to flaunt the power and authority of the institution, we advise you to know when to be satisfied and to stop."
The special prosecutor's team has demanded that former President Yoon, who is currently detained, appear at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office for questioning. However, Yoon has refused, citing health reasons.
On both the 14th and the 15th, the special prosecutor's team instructed Seoul Detention Center to bring Yoon to the investigation room, but he refused both times, and the attempts failed. The special prosecutor's team is investigating correctional officers at the detention center regarding their failure to carry out these orders, and has stated that if they continue to disregard instructions, they will be held strictly accountable.
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