South Korea issues final summons for president ahead of arrest

For the third time, the South Korean Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) has summoned President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning.

He was summoned in connection with a case regarding the coup attempt that occurred during the imposition of martial law on December 3–4. The questioning is scheduled for December 29, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The meeting is once again scheduled for 10:00 (GMT+9) at the CIO office. The agenda was sent by registered mail and email on December 26 to the president’s Secretariat, other departments of his administration, and the presidential residence. According to legal practice, the third summons is considered the final one before a request for an arrest warrant is filed.

President Yoon Suk Yeol failed to attend the previous two interrogations at the CIO, as well as another one at the prosecutor's office. However, a representative of the CIO informed local media the day before that filing a request for an arrest warrant is still a long way off. 

The CIO may have slowed down its procedural actions, as in case of the president's arrest, the investigation would need to be completed in about 10 days. On December 11, the police, the CIO, and the Defence Ministry agreed to join forces in investigating the circumstances surrounding the imposition of martial law, resulting in the creation of a unified investigative team. According to the laws, other investigative agencies must comply if the head of the CIO requests the transfer of the case. 

On December 18, the prosecution transferred its investigation concerning President Yoon Suk Yeol. He is suspected of orchestrating a rebellion as the leader of the conspirators. The CIO also justifies its authority to investigate the coup by citing abuse of power and the fact that his powers are based on higher legal norms.

By Naila Huseynova