CIO seeks arrest warrant for ex-defense minister in its own probe over botched martial law
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun arrives at the Incheon International Airport, Oct. 29. Yonhap
The investigative body for high-ranking officials said Tuesday that it filed for an arrest warrant against former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun as part of its own probe over his role in the failed martial law declaration.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) appears to have filed the arrest warrant in case of the court possibly rejecting the prosecution's similar request.
"We can file for an arrest warrant independently of the prosecution's request," a CIO official said.
A separate investigation team led by the prosecution is seeking a court warrant to formally arrest Kim.
A Seoul court began its arraignment hearing to decide whether to issue the arrest warrant, without Kim's presence, after Kim said that he will forgo the hearing.
The court is expected to make its decision as early as late Tuesday night. (Yonhap)