The CIO, which is not entitled to prosecute a suspect, said on Thursday that it decided to refer the case to prosecutors.
Ater several failed attempts to question Yoon over charges of insurrection and abuse of power, due to his continued refusal to cooperate, the CIO seemed forced to transfer the case, as Yoon's detention period is set to expire early next week, although it can seek an extension, which could last up to 20 days. But the CIO explained that any delays would hinder a proper investigation.
Now, prosecutors are set to investigate Yoon's case four days after his arrest last week for his abrupt declaration of martial law on Dec. 3. It is expected that they will decide whether to indict him shortly after the Lunar New Year holiday in early February.
Yoon is accused of conspiring with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and military commanders to declare martial law, incite rebellion, and abuse his power by mobilizing police and military personnel to carry out the late-night operation.
The CIO, in its second attempt, was able to arrest Yoon on Jan. 15, who had been holed up at his official residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, after Yoon refused to respond to three summons for questioning about the debacle.
During his first questioning with the CIO on the day of his arrest, which lasted nearly 11 hours, Yoon refused to cooperate, remaining silent and claiming that declaring martial law is a presidential power, not for judges or prosecutors to decide.
reporter
Kim Joo-heon
jhkim123@ajunews.com
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