Prosecutors Seek Extension of Yoon’s Detention After Court Denial

Seoul: Prosecutors on Saturday made another request to extend President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention beyond its initial period for a probe over his botched martial law attempt last month, after a Seoul court rejected its earlier request the previous day. According to Yonhap News Agency, just four hours after the court's rejection, the special prosecution team investigating Yoon's case filed a new request at the Seoul Central District Court to extend Yoon's detention until Feb. 6. This move followed the transfer of the case from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to the prosecution. Law enforcement agencies are scrutinizing Yoon over allegations that he orchestrated the Dec. 3 martial law imposition, which has sparked significant political unrest. He is accused of colluding with then Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to incite a riot by declaring martial law and of abusing his power by deploying troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against th e decree. Yoon is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, south of the capital, while a Constitutional Court trial is ongoing to decide on the validity of his impeachment by the National Assembly. If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will be ousted from office, leading to a snap presidential election within 60 days. Conversely, if dismissed, he will be reinstated.