South Korean court extends president's detention

Under the new order, Jun can remain in custody for up to 20 days. South Korean law requires that a suspect in custody must undergo a physical examination, be photographed and dressed in a prison uniform.

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Jun Suk Jeol, Photo: Reuters
Jun Suk Jeol, Photo: Reuters
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

A South Korean court has extended the detention of President Yun Suk-yeol for up to 20 days, citing concerns that he could destroy evidence in a criminal investigation related to his short-lived declaration of a state of emergency in early December last year.

Jun became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested on Wednesday, facing charges of sedition. Given a 48-hour deadline to either extend his detention or release the president, South Korean investigators requested an extension of his detention on Friday after Jun refused to answer questions.

The Seoul Western District Court said it had approved a detention extension order requested by the Office of the Chief Corruption Investigations Office (CIO), Reuters reports.

The reason for the approval was "concerns that the suspect might destroy evidence," according to a court statement.

Under the new order, Jun can remain in custody for up to 20 days. South Korean law requires that a suspect in custody must undergo a physical examination, be photographed and dressed in a prison uniform.

The CIO said in a statement that the investigation against Jun, who is currently in the Seoul Detention Center, will be conducted in accordance with the law and procedures.

After learning that Jun's detention had been extended, some of his supporters stormed the courthouse, damaged property, attacked police officers and shouted the president's name, Yonhap news agency reported.

Live television showed a large contingent of police trying to suppress protesters inside the building.

So far, Jun has resisted the CIO's efforts to question him, refusing to appear for questioning. It remains unclear whether Jun will change his stance during his extended detention.

Sedition, for which Jun could be charged, is one of the few crimes for which a South Korean president does not have immunity.

South Korea is facing its worst political crisis in decades, sparked by Jun's brief attempt to impose a state of emergency on December 3, which was rejected by parliament.

On December 14, lawmakers voted to impeach Jun, suspending his presidential powers.

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