'Absent for 10 Consecutive Sessions' Trial Continues Without Yoon... Special Prosecutor Requests Additional Date

[Financial News] Former President Yoon Seok-yeol, accused of being the head of a rebellion, did not attend the trial for the 10th consecutive time.
Former President Yoon did not attend the 19th trial of the rebellion head case, presided over by Judge Ji Gwi-yeon at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Agreement Division 25.
The court stated, "The defendant sent a statement from the prison expressing his intention not to attend of his own will," and "The prison authorities have indicated that it is impossible to bring him, so we will proceed in his absence according to the Criminal Procedure Act today as well."
According to the Criminal Procedure Act, if a defendant is absent without reason, the trial can continue in absentia. Former President Yoon, who is not attending, must bear the consequences arising during the trial process. Since being re-arrested on July 10, Yoon has refused both the trial and the special prosecutor's investigation citing health reasons.
The rebellion and treason special prosecutor team (led by Special Prosecutor Jo Eun-seok), responsible for maintaining the prosecution, has requested an additional date. The previous day, the side of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun filed a challenge against the Criminal Agreement Division 25. The special prosecutor team has requested that if the trial is suspended due to the challenge, an additional date be set for the case of former President Yoon or the case involving the police leadership, including Commissioner Jo Ji-ho.
Park Eok-su, the assistant special prosecutor, stated, "Yesterday, the side of former Minister Kim filed a challenge, causing a halt in the proceedings," and "We ask that an additional date be set for this case or the trial of Commissioner Jo during the idle period to ensure the trial proceeds swiftly."
Despite the variable introduced by former Minister Kim's request, it is interpreted that the special prosecutor team does not intend to delay the trials of the cases they are handling.
Former President Yoon's side also responded positively. They stated, "If the trial date is set as such, we are willing to cooperate as much as possible and discuss an additional date."
A challenge against a specific court is decided by another court, but if the purpose of the delay is clear, the court in question can summarily dismiss it.
theknight@fnnews.com Jeong Kyung-soo Reporter