Seoul: Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung has stated that his choice not to appeal the court ruling that led to the release of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was rooted in adherence to "due process of law." He dismissed calls from the opposition for his resignation, emphasizing the procedural integrity of his decision.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon was detained in January under accusations of inciting an insurrection linked to an attempted imposition of martial law on December 3. However, he was released from jail on Saturday after the prosecution chose not to challenge a court ruling that deemed his detention invalid.
Shim explained to reporters at the Supreme Prosecutors Office in southern Seoul that his decision was informed by consultations with the investigation team and other stakeholders, adhering to legal principles. He expressed that this situation does not justify his resignation or impeachment, although he is prepared to address any actions the National Assembly might undertake in that regard.
He highlighted the judiciary's role in deciding the legitimacy of a suspect's detention post-indictment, respecting the court's authority in these matters. Furthermore, Shim referenced a prior Constitutional Court ruling, which found it unconstitutional to immediately contest a suspension of an arrest warrant's execution.
Despite his respect for the court's decision, Shim voiced disagreement with the Seoul Central District Court's method of calculating Yoon's initial 10-day detention period in hours rather than days. He has instructed the investigation team to challenge this calculation during the forthcoming trial.