The second special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, plans to question former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung regarding allegations that he directed prosecutors to be dispatched to the joint investigation headquarters under the orders of former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae during the emergency martial law on December 3. The special prosecutors have also requested an extension of the investigation period from President Lee Jae-myung.
During a regular briefing on the 22nd at the special prosecutors' office in Gwacheon, they announced that Shim is scheduled to appear for questioning on the 24th on charges related to important duties during a rebellion. Additionally, a summons for Shin Yong-hae, the former head of the Ministry of Justice's correctional headquarters, is also expected on the afternoon of the 24th.
Both Shim and Shin are under suspicion of having directed the dispatch of prosecutors to the joint investigation headquarters at the behest of former Minister Park immediately after the declaration of martial law. Following a cabinet meeting at the presidential office, Park returned to the Ministry of Justice and convened a meeting with over ten officials, during which he allegedly ordered the dispatch of prosecutors. Records show that Park had three phone conversations with Shim on that day, raising suspicions that he may have given similar directives to Shim.
The special prosecutors are also set to question Lee Si-won, the former senior secretary for civil service discipline at the presidential office, as a suspect in connection with the death of military officer Chae Hae-byeong.
An investigation related to the changes in the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway route was conducted last week. Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Ji-mi explained, "We have conducted witness interviews with officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding the cancellation of the route change." The investigation has confirmed that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport issued a press release stating there were no legal violations, despite receiving legal advice indicating potential violations related to former Minister Won Hee-ryong's cancellation declaration.
Additionally, the special prosecutors are currently investigating Kim Myung-soo, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is facing charges related to important duties during a rebellion. They believe Kim participated in the formation of the martial law command while observing the military's deployment to the National Assembly from the Joint Chiefs of Staff command and control center during the emergency martial law. A request for an arrest warrant for Kim was submitted but was denied by the court. Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim stated, "We respect the court's judgment regarding the legal issues and are focusing our investigative efforts on strengthening our case."
Meanwhile, the special prosecutors have requested a second extension of the investigation period from the Blue House. The investigation period was previously extended last month and is set to expire on the 24th. Under the special prosecutors' law, a further 30-day extension can be granted with the president's approval.
During a regular briefing on the 22nd at the special prosecutors' office in Gwacheon, they announced that Shim is scheduled to appear for questioning on the 24th on charges related to important duties during a rebellion. Additionally, a summons for Shin Yong-hae, the former head of the Ministry of Justice's correctional headquarters, is also expected on the afternoon of the 24th.
Both Shim and Shin are under suspicion of having directed the dispatch of prosecutors to the joint investigation headquarters at the behest of former Minister Park immediately after the declaration of martial law. Following a cabinet meeting at the presidential office, Park returned to the Ministry of Justice and convened a meeting with over ten officials, during which he allegedly ordered the dispatch of prosecutors. Records show that Park had three phone conversations with Shim on that day, raising suspicions that he may have given similar directives to Shim.
The special prosecutors are also set to question Lee Si-won, the former senior secretary for civil service discipline at the presidential office, as a suspect in connection with the death of military officer Chae Hae-byeong.
An investigation related to the changes in the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway route was conducted last week. Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Ji-mi explained, "We have conducted witness interviews with officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding the cancellation of the route change." The investigation has confirmed that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport issued a press release stating there were no legal violations, despite receiving legal advice indicating potential violations related to former Minister Won Hee-ryong's cancellation declaration.
Additionally, the special prosecutors are currently investigating Kim Myung-soo, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is facing charges related to important duties during a rebellion. They believe Kim participated in the formation of the martial law command while observing the military's deployment to the National Assembly from the Joint Chiefs of Staff command and control center during the emergency martial law. A request for an arrest warrant for Kim was submitted but was denied by the court. Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim stated, "We respect the court's judgment regarding the legal issues and are focusing our investigative efforts on strengthening our case."
Meanwhile, the special prosecutors have requested a second extension of the investigation period from the Blue House. The investigation period was previously extended last month and is set to expire on the 24th. Under the special prosecutors' law, a further 30-day extension can be granted with the president's approval.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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