Prosecution: "Possibility of Requesting Detention Extension for Jeong Gyeong-sim as Well"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The prosecution is expected to request the issuance of an additional arrest warrant from the trial court handling the case of Professor Jeong Gyeong-sim of Dongyang University.

This is analyzed to be because, considering the schedule for witness examinations, it is difficult for the first trial to conclude before the expiration of Professor Jeong's detention period (May 10).

A prosecution official stated on the 2nd, "We need to observe the progress of the trial renewal procedures over the remaining month, but the possibility of requesting an extension of Professor Jeong's detention period is always open," adding, "If a request is made, it will be around the time when Professor Jeong's detention period expires."

This means that if the verdict is not delivered within the detention period, the procedure for issuing an additional warrant will be taken.

So far, the prosecution has argued, "Professor Jeong attempted to destroy evidence several times before the trial, and there is a high risk of flight, so her detention must be maintained."

Under the Criminal Procedure Act, the first trial court can extend the detention period of a defendant who has been detained and indicted for up to six months.

The court may issue an additional arrest warrant ex officio, or the prosecution may file additional charges and request the issuance of a new arrest warrant.

In Professor Jeong's case, she was additionally indicted on December 31 last year on eight charges including obstruction of official duties by deception in collusion with former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk.

If the prosecution applies to the court for an additional arrest warrant, it will be a request for issuance regarding these charges.

If the court accepts the prosecution's request, Professor Jeong's detention period will be extended until November 10.

The trial of Professor Jeong's case, conducted by the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25-2 (Presiding Judge Lim Jeong-yeop), currently has witness examination scheduled until the 8th.

Witnesses related to the forgery of Dongyang University certificates and the children's admission bribery charges against Professor Jeong are appearing in court and continuing their testimonies.

Witness examinations related to the suspicions of illegal private equity fund investments, which involve the largest amount of evidence among the charges, have not yet taken place.

Evidence investigation has also not been conducted regarding the charges of collusion with former Minister Cho concerning family corruption.

Considering the usual practice of holding a sentencing trial and delivering a verdict after completing evidence investigation and witness examination, it is physically difficult to deliver a verdict before the detention period expires.

Previously, Professor Jeong was brought to trial on September 6 last year on charges of forging Dongyang University certificates. Subsequently, on November 11, she was detained and indicted on charges including false reporting and insider trading under the Capital Markets Act.

Including the charges of collusion with former Minister Cho, who was indicted in December, Professor Jeong faces a total of 23 charges to be judged for guilt or innocence through the trial.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.