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S.Korean president's counsel requests delay of prosecutors' investigation into scandal

Xinhua, November 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Counsel of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, who is grappling with a scandal involving her longtime confidante, requested the delay on Tuesday of prosecutors' investigation into the embattled president.

Yoo Young-ha, former prosecutor and lawmaker who was appointed on Monday as Park's lawyer, told reporters that prosecutors unilaterally designated the schedule, saying it would take significant time to review this case.

The prosecution office had requested a direct investigation into President Park no later than Wednesday, but the probe could be delayed as the attorney needs time to make preparations.

If realized, Park would become the first South Korean leader to be investigated by prosecutors as a sitting president. The country's constitution bans a president from being criminally executed except for treason and insurrection charges, but criminal investigation is allowed if the indictment is suspended until the end of presidency.

Park has been mired in the scandal involving her decades-long friend Choi Soon-sil, who is suspected of meddling in state affairs behind the scenes and peddling influence for personal gains.

Yoo said that if prosecutors unavoidably demand face-to-face investigation into President Park, he would accept it though document investigation is more desirable.

The lawyer said probe into the president should be conducted in a way to minimize a possible damage to the presidential governance as it can paralyze state affairs and divide public opinion. Endit