South Korea’s jailed former President Yoon refuses the prosecutor's questions, lies on the cell floor

South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol lay on the floor of his cell on Friday and refused to comply with questioning, a spokesperson for a special prosecutor said, as investigations into alleged abuse of power and influence-peddling continue.

Yoon, who was removed from office in April by the Constitutional Court over his failed attempt to declare martial law, is being held at the Seoul Detention Centre while facing trial for insurrection and other charges.

Prosecutors from a special investigation team formed under new President Lee Jae Myung attempted to bring Yoon in for questioning regarding influence-peddling allegations involving him and his wife, former First Lady Kim Keon Hee.

"But the suspect stubbornly refused to do so, while lying on the ground, not dressed in a prison uniform," spokesperson Oh Jung-hee told a news briefing. She said prosecutors would try again, even by force if necessary.

Yoon was reportedly wearing only his undershirt and underwear when officials approached him, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing the special prosecution.

Yu Jeong-hwa, one of Yoon’s lawyers, criticised the comments on his attire. “Bringing up what he was wearing in a small space where the temperature was close to 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) was a public insult to his dignity and showed how the state was violating inmates' human rights,” Yu said..

The former president was returned to a solitary cell in July as prosecutors sought additional charges related to his December martial law declaration. 

He is currently on trial for insurrection, a capital offence punishable by life imprisonment or death.

Yoon also faces multiple other investigations, including one into alleged inappropriate influence over elections involving him and his wife. Both have denied wrongdoing.

Yoon’s legal team has repeatedly cited health concerns to justify his refusal to appear for questioning. His lawyers said Thursday that he suffers from preexisting conditions, including one that could cause vision loss.

In a veiled reference to Yoon’s previous role as a top prosecutor, Oh said the public was watching closely. 

“The suspect has consistently highlighted the importance of laws, principles, fairness, and common sense, and through this cas,e people are watching if the law applies equally to everyone,” she said.

Separately, investigators have requested that Kim Keon Hee appear for questioning on 6 August. 

Her lawyers said she would cooperate with the investigation.

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