Korean Ex-President Faces Prolonged Interrogation over Martial Law Allegations

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to face another interrogation by a special counsel team this week, following a taxing 15-hour session last Saturday, reports Yonhap news agency. The questioning revolves around his martial law declaration on December 3, alongside claims that he ordered the Presidential Security Service to thwart his arrest in January.

The special counsel team aims to continue interrogating Yoon until the investigation reaches a conclusion. Notified to appear again on Monday, Yoon is expected to undergo consecutive questioning sessions until the probe wraps up. This follows a marathon questioning session, partially halted due to objections from Yoon's lawyers regarding an unsuitable police investigator's presence, according to Yonhap.

Charged with insurrection due to the martial law declaration, which prompted extensive protests and political unrest, Yoon was further questioned about a Cabinet meeting preceding the declaration, alleged attempts to obstruct the National Assembly from rescinding martial law, and treason charges. His legal representatives indicated that Yoon answered inquiries to his fullest capacity.

Monday's scheduled interrogation at 9 am focuses on accusations that Yoon instructed officials to erase records of secure phone communications used in alleged martial law operations. This session occurs two weeks into the investigation and 85 days post his office removal.

This appearance marks Yoon's first before an investigative body in approximately five months, succeeding his January arrest and questioning by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). Notably, Yoon was the first sitting South Korean president to be detained, following a standoff in early January.

Upon entering and exiting the building, Yoon chose not to engage with reporters. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)