Suspended South Korean President Jun Sok-yol did not respond to a second summons for questioning by the anti-corruption office. which, together with the prosecutor’s office, is investigating his decree on martial law issued in early December. TASR informs about it based on a Reuters report.
Jun failed to appear for a hearing scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. local time, as requested by the Bureau of Corruption Investigation for Senior Officials. He also ignored the first summons to appear for questioning last week.
Jun’s repeatedly expressed disagreement with the subpoena and his failure to appear for questioning drew criticism and opposition calls for his arrest. They were cited as the reason for this step concerns about the possible destruction of evidence. In a televised speech on December 7, four days after the declaration of martial law, at the same time Jun said he will not shirk legal and political responsibility for his actions, reminded Reuters.
Jun unexpectedly declared martial law on December 3 and accused the opposition of anti-state activities. The opposition subsequently declared that committed rebellion and abuse of power. Jun denies the accusations and according to legal representatives, they will be defended in court. Parliament the president suspended the performance of his duties, until the Constitutional Court decides on his impeachment or restoration of his presidential powers.
The prosecutor’s office, the police, and the Office for Corruption Investigation began investigating Jun and other officials on suspicion of sedition, abuse of power, and other crimes, which it can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The rebellion is one of the few charges against which the South Korean president is not immune.
The South Korean opposition announced on Tuesday that he is also postponing his intention to impeach incumbent President Han Tok-su for his refusal to sign special laws that would allow the investigation of Jun Sok-jol. An unnamed senior representative of Han’s office described the move of the opposition Democratic Party (DP) as “very regrettable”.
The source recalled that “the international community currently supports the system of the incumbent president… The impeachment could undermine that trust and adversely affect the economy”.
