Yoon in isolated cell barred from seeing visitors as he remains uncooperative with questioning

By Im Yoon-seo Posted : January 20, 2025, 15:00 Updated : January 20, 2025, 15:03
 
Police officers stand guard in front of the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang Gyeonggi Province on Jan20 2025 Yonhap
Police officers patrol the entrance of a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province on Jan. 20, 2025. Yonhap
SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is now confined to a tiny solitary cell in a dramatic turn after his detention on Sunday over the botched martial law debacle last month, has been restricted from seeing any visitors except his legal representatives, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) said on Monday.

The independent agency established to root out corruption in the government said the measure, which bars him from meeting with his family members including First Lady Kim Keon Hee and other visitors, was put in place due to concerns over possible evidence tampering or giving false testimony in collusion with those involved in the debacle.

The CIO cited that Yoon had changed his phone and terminated his account with the messaging service Telegram as possible attempts to destroy evidence.

But Yoon's lawyers complained about the measure, calling it "inappropriate."

"Even though his duties are suspended, the president must stay informed about ongoing domestic affairs and other matters at all times in preparation for his return to power," Seok Dong-hyun, one of his lawyers, wrote on Facebook, suggesting that the president needs to get briefed by key presidential officials and others.

Investigators from the CIO are also considering an on-site investigation at a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, as Yoon has been stalling with questioning despite repeated requests.

The CIO, which is not entitled to prosecute a suspect must refer the case to prosecutors, is expected to wrap up its investigation by early next month, before Yoon's detention period, which can be extended up to 20 days, ends.

Meanwhile, Yoon's legal team may consider filing an injunction to appeal the legality of his detention.
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