Regarding the request for attendance by the High-ranking Public Officials Crime Investigation Office (Corruption Investigation Office), President Yoon Seok-yeol’s side said, “We believe it will be difficult to appear tomorrow (25th).”
Attorney Seok Dong-hyun, who is participating in forming President Yoon’s representative team, met with reporters at his office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 24th and said, “The impeachment trial process has been settled and to some extent, the President’s basic position as the respondent has been explained to the Constitutional Court judges and the public. “It comes first,” he said.
Previously, on the 20th, the Corruption Investigation Office requested President Yoon, who is suspected of insurrection under the Criminal Act, abuse of power, and obstruction of the exercise of rights, to appear at the Corruption Investigation Office building at 10 a.m. on the 25th for investigation.
In response to this, Attorney Seok said, “I will just say that the conditions are not yet in place,” and added, “As I said last time, the President believes that the impeachment trial process at the Constitutional Court takes priority.”
Attorney Seok said, “The side that impeached the president will have a position, and the president who was impeached will have his own position, logic, and reasons for taking that position,” and added, “Evaluation and judgment should be made by publicizing the parts that support the position.” “I’m not saying we should conduct an investigation after the impeachment trial is over,” he said.
He also said, “Let’s say the president is being investigated (received) into the position, circumstances, and actions through questions and answers with investigators in a closed space. It is not a matter to explain to the investigators whether it is a civil war or not.” He added, “Of course, I will comply with the procedure when the time comes.” “He said.
President Yoon’s side plans to announce a summarized position on the impeachment trial process and investigation by investigative agencies after the 26th.
Attorney Seok said, “Since Christmas has passed, realistically, there may be a position or response regarding the defense preparation process on the 27th,” he said. “Rather than adding other modifiers, it is possible to respond step by step, and basically (response) is the president’s avoidance, non-compliance, and refusal.” “No,” he said.
Attorney Seok also repeatedly emphasized his position that “the trial (impeachment judgment) cannot be conducted so hastily and hastily.”
Attorney Seok said, “Furthermore, (the Constitutional Court) is an imperfect collegial body with a six-member system,” and added, “As a lawyer, I do not deny that the process of preparing for arguments can proceed. I am not aware of the overall question, including whether it will be possible to conduct a full-scale hearing with a six-member system.” “It is true that there are controversial elements in the matter,” he argued.
He added, “I understand that the National Assembly has begun the process of recruiting Constitutional Court judges. Whether or not the acting president will appoint them is being discussed. We will look at the trends in those areas.”
Regarding the composition of the representative group, “It cannot be said to be final, but resources can be added in the early preparation process. “In a broad sense, there will be many people who will defend the president. “It will not necessarily be limited to court activities,” he said.
He also said, “In the beginning, we may start with a small number of elites,” and “When we reach the point and stage where the president is needed, his position may be explained through his own training.”
Meanwhile, Oh Dong-woon, the head of the Corruption Investigation Office, did not answer a reporter’s question on his way to work at the Corruption Investigation Office this morning, “If President Yoon does not appear tomorrow (25th), will you request an arrest warrant?” He only answered, “The policy has not been decided.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Jeong-hyeon Photo News 1 File Photo
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