Special Prosecutor: "It is standard procedure to request an arrest warrant after 2 to 4 summonses"
Former President Yoon reports eye health issues... Doctor warns of 'risk of blindness'
Former President Yoon Sukyeol is heading to Seoul Detention Center after completing the second pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant review) held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 9th. Photo by Joint Press Corps
The special prosecutor's team led by Min Junggi notified former President Yoon Suk-yeol on July 29 that he is required to appear for questioning on July 30, after he failed to comply with a summons for investigation. The special prosecutor's team stated that if former President Yoon does not respond to this latest summons, they are considering applying for an arrest warrant. As the special prosecutor's team has left open the possibility of compulsory investigation against former President Yoon, the standoff between the team and the former president, who continues to refuse to cooperate, is expected to persist for the time being.
Special Prosecutor Assistant Moon Hongju stated at a regular briefing that "Former President Yoon did not appear today without providing any reason," and added, "We have sent another notice to the head of Seoul Detention Center this morning, demanding his appearance at 10 a.m. tomorrow. If he fails to comply again, we are considering compulsory measures such as applying for an arrest warrant."
The special prosecutor's team explained that, as is customary, if a suspect fails to comply after being summoned two to four times, an arrest warrant is requested. Therefore, former President Yoon will be treated in the same manner as any other suspect in a standard investigation process.
The special prosecutor's team believes that if former President Yoon does not appear on July 30, there is a high likelihood that he will continue to refuse to comply with the summons. However, the team also stated that they are not yet considering conducting an on-site investigation by visiting the detention center directly. Former President Yoon has reported eye health issues while in detention, and it has recently been revealed that his primary physician has warned of the risk of blindness.
Additionally, the special prosecutor's team is reviewing a case handed over by the Ministry of Justice regarding allegations that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration exerted undue influence over personnel decisions at KT. The case involves suspicions that the presidential office under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and First Lady Kim were involved in controversies surrounding the appointments of the KT CEO and executives.
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