Seoul: The special counsel investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law has requested that a Seoul court dismiss former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun's request for the recusal of court judges ahead of his arrest warrant hearing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, earlier in the day, Kim's lawyers filed for the recusal against the entire bench of the Seoul Central District Court's 34th Criminal Division, arguing that the court is singularly focused on arresting individuals and conducting expedited and unjust trials. Kim has been detained since December 27 and is standing trial on charges of insurrection for recommending martial law to Yoon and drafting the decree.
In response to Kim's request, special counsel Cho Eun-suk submitted an opinion for its dismissal, contending that the request is an apparent attempt to delay court proceedings, which should not be interrupted. Under the law, courts may dismiss recusal requests if they are clearly intended to impede court proceedings.
Kim's six-month arrest period is set to expire on June 26. However, Cho has additionally indicted Kim on charges of obstruction of official duties and abetting the destruction of evidence related to the martial law imposition. Consequently, Cho requested the court to issue an arrest warrant for Kim, with the hearing scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday.