The special prosecution team led by Cho Eun-seok today launched a surprise raid on the home of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in Jongno-gu, Seoul, signaling a full-scale investigation into the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident' targeting the former prime minister. This compulsory investigation, coming three weeks after Han's summons for questioning earlier this month, is interpreted as a strong indication of the special prosecutor's determination to fully pursue the allegations of Han's conspiracy in the martial law declaration.
Allegations of Emergency Martial Law Conspiracy and Subsequent Document Destruction
Former Prime Minister Han is at the center of key allegations, including complicity in or actively aiding former President Yoon Suk-yeol's illegal declaration of emergency martial law. The special prosecutor is particularly focusing on the circumstances surrounding Han's signature on the 'Martial Law Proclamation Document,' which was allegedly drafted after the fact to secure the procedural legitimacy of the martial law declaration. This document is suspected of being an attempt to conceal legal flaws in the martial law declaration, and the special prosecutor believes Han was deeply involved in this process.
Furthermore, the special prosecutor has also uncovered evidence suggesting that Han not only participated in the drafting of the martial law proclamation but later ordered its destruction, and is concentrating its investigative efforts on this. This could be crucial evidence of an attempt to destroy evidence related to martial law and demonstrate a systematic cover-up by key government officials at the time. If these allegations are proven true, Han's likelihood of being punished as an accomplice to the emergency martial law incident, rather than merely an abettor, increases significantly. The special prosecutor plans to thoroughly analyze the digital data and documents secured through the raid to obtain concrete evidence related to the drafting and destruction orders of the martial law proclamation.
Additional Charges of Perjury in Parliament and Constitutional Court
Former Prime Minister Han is also facing charges of perjury in connection with the emergency martial law incident during the impeachment trial of the president by the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court. This factor, along with the martial law conspiracy allegations, further aggravates Han's legal responsibility.
During a National Assembly hearing in February, Han testified regarding the existence of martial law documents, stating that he "only learned about the document that was in my back pocket later," thereby downplaying its importance and seemingly denying his involvement. However, it has been reported that CCTV footage from the presidential office obtained by the special prosecutor clearly shows Han directly taking the martial law document from the cabinet meeting table. This strongly suggests that Han's testimony to the National Assembly was highly likely a clear falsehood.
The perjury charge is considered a serious issue because it implies that Han did not merely make factual errors or mistakes due to memory lapses, but intentionally tried to deceive the public and the National Assembly. Especially, perjury committed during a grave judicial procedure like a presidential impeachment trial can be considered an act that severely undermines judicial justice. The special prosecutor plans to prove Han's perjury charges based on objective evidence, including this CCTV footage, and will thoroughly hold him accountable under the law.
Future Outlook for the Investigation
This raid on former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's home is a symbolic event indicating that the investigation into the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident' is now fully targeting the highest levels of power. The special prosecutor plans to consider re-summoning Han after completing the analysis of the seized materials. This would occur if Han fails to adequately explain himself during the special prosecutor's investigation or if new evidence obtained through the raid necessitates further questioning.
The special prosecutor plans to piece together the specific details of Han's involvement and role in the martial law declaration process by analyzing the extensive digital forensic data, meeting minutes, and personal schedules secured through this raid. They will also focus on uncovering the entire truth of the emergency martial law incident, including whether other high-ranking officials conspired in the decision-making process for the martial law declaration and any attempts at concealment that occurred after the declaration.
Meanwhile, Han's side has stated that they will "faithfully explain" themselves regarding the special prosecutor's investigation. However, given the compulsory nature of the raid, it is expected that Han will face significant difficulties in his legal defense. This special prosecutor's investigation is poised to be a crucial turning point in uncovering the truth of the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident' and holding all responsible parties accountable. A thorough and swift investigation by the special prosecutor is demanded to satisfy the public's right to know and to realize justice.
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