Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun is refusing to make any statements before he undergoes questioning by the prosecution in connection with the December 3 martial law incident.

According to Kim’s lawyers on Saturday, the former minister, who faces treason charges, intends to exercise his right to remain silent because the investigation is a “political act” and cooperating in an illegal probe would make Kim an accessory to treason.

Accusing the prosecution of obstructing Kim from meeting with his lawyers, the legal counsel called on the agency to release the ex-minister from detention and to promptly indict him so he can be cleared of the treason charges.

Earlier, the special team in charge of the probe summoned Kim for questioning starting at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Kim’s refusal to cooperate could ultimately delay the prosecution’s investigation of treason allegations against President Yoon Suk Yeol.