SEOUL – South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol skipped questioning by a joint investigation team on Dec 18, according to local media reports, increasing the risk of his arrest.
Mr Yoon didn’t appear for a scheduled 10am (9am Singapore time) questioning by the joint team, which consists of the defence ministry, police and an anti-corruption investigative body, according to SBS.
The investigators will consider sending a second summons, the broadcaster reported.
South Korea’s Parliament voted on Dec 14 to impeach Mr Yoon, suspending him from office after his shocking declaration of martial law earlier in December sparked a constitutional crisis.
Mr Yoon vowed to never give up, signalling his intent to fight in court to retain his job and contending his martial-law decree was within his constitutional powers.
Investigative officials are seeking to question Mr Yoon over the opposition’s allegations that he committed treason.
Another team, led by prosecutors, has also been trying to summon Mr Yoon and requested for him to appear on Dec 21.
Mr Yoon’s lawyer told the media on Dec 17 that he has not completed assembling his defence team and will make a statement in the coming days about the investigation agencies’ request for his appearance.
The lawyer also said investigative agencies appear to be competing to issue summons and attendance requests, and this situation needs to be addressed. BLOOMBERG
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