South Korean court refuses to extend suspended president Yoon's arrest

ISTANBUL

A South Korean court on Friday refused to extend the detention period of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, Yonhap news reported.

Prosecutors investigating allegations related to Yoon's short-lived martial law bid had submitted a request to the Seoul Central District Court to extend detention until Feb. 6.

The court, however, dismissed the request, citing a lack of probable cause to continue the investigation under the prosecution's authority.

Yoon was arrested Sunday, and by law, a suspect can be held under arrest for up to 10 days, with a possible extension of another 10 days.

The move came a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials handed the martial law probe case over to the prosecution.

Yoon is being investigated over allegations he was the mastermind behind the Dec. 3 army rule declaration. He is also accused of abusing his power by sending troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. Until now, he has refused to attend questioning by the prosecutors, as well as the anti-graft body.

The president was impeached by the parliament on Dec. 14, 2024, and remains suspended from duties pending a review by the Constitutional Court.

If the impeachment is held, an early presidential election must be held within two months. If dismissed, Yoon will be reinstated to the presidential office.