National police chief and Seoul police chief undergo detention hearings

[Anchor]

The decision on whether to detain the top police officials involved in the emergency martial law situation will be made as early as tonight (12.13).

We are heading to the Seoul Central District Court where twprk he warrant review is taking place.

Reporter Lee Ho-jun! How was the warrant review for the national police chief?

He claimed that it was not an important duty, is that correct?

[Report]
Yes, The hearing for Jo Ji-ho, the National Police Commissioner, on the warrant of arrest began today at 3 PM at the Seoul Central District Court and lasted for about 70 minutes.

Kim Bong-sik, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Commissioner, waived his warrant hearing, following the example of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who had already been arrested.

Both Commissioner Jo and Commissioner Kim were urgently arrested and subjected to detention hearings under allegations of ordering the deployment of police during martial law to control the National Assembly.

The police applied charges of "engagement in critical treason-related duties" against them.

It was believed that, shortly before martial law, Jo met President Yoon at the presidential emergency residence, where he was instructed to seize control of key institutions and became involved in the planning stages of martial law.

Jo Ji-ho's lawyer argued that he did not follow unreasonable orders, such as forcibly stopping legislators from climbing over the National Assembly walls.

The lawyer claimed that these actions did not constitute "engagement in critical treason-related duties" as alleged by the police.

A decision on whether to detain Jo is expected as early as tonight or by tomorrow morning at the latest.

[Question]
There are also suspicions that President Yoon directly called Commissioner Jo Ji-ho after the declaration of martial law?

Yes, the police's Special Investigation Unit uncovered that President Yoon had six phone calls with Commissioner Jo after declaring emergency martial law.

A police official explained that President Yoon and Commissioner Jo used encrypted mobile phones to prevent eavesdropping during these calls.

The police also confirmed that they seized Jo's encrypted mobile phone but have yet to secure the server containing its usage records.

Regarding the calls with the President, Jo's lawyer claimed “The calls were one-sided conversations from the President. Commissioner Jo thought the directive to arrest legislators was unreasonable and refused to comply.”

After the warrant hearing, Jo's lawyer made a statement. Let’s listen:

[Noh Jung-hwan, Lawyer for Jo Ji-ho, National Police Commissioner:
"The President called him six times and ordered the arrest of legislators, but Commissioner Jo refused. Rather than aiding the martial law forces, he effectively obstructed their execution."]

Commissioner Jo previously stated at the National Assembly on the 5th: “I first learned about the emergency martial law through the media.”
However, it was revealed to be a lie, sparking controversy.
Jo’s lawyer explained that Jo felt remorse toward the President, making it difficult for him to tell the truth at the time.

Additionally, Jo's lawyer revealed that, shortly after martial law was declared, Jo received a request from Ye In-hyung, the Counterintelligence Commander, to track the locations of key personnel.

Meanwhile, the Prosecutors' Special Investigation Unit arrested former Capital Defense Commander Lee Jin-woo this evening on charges of treason and abuse of power.

The Capital Defense Command was deployed to the National Assembly during the emergency martial law on the 3rd.

This is Lee Hojun reporting from the Seoul Central District Court for KBS News.