South Korea: Former President Yoon sentenced to five years

Seoul (South Korea), Jan. 16 (LaPresse/AP) – Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison in the first verdict of eight criminal trials against him. Yoon was indicted, arrested, and removed from office after the imposition of martial law in December 2024 sparked massive public protests demanding his ouster. The most serious criminal charge against him alleges that the enforcement of martial law constituted an attempt at insurrection. A special prosecutor has sought the death penalty for this charge, and the Seoul Central District Court will rule on this in a verdict scheduled for February 19. Yoon has argued that he never intended to place the country under military control for an extended period, saying his decree was only meant to inform the public of the danger posed by the liberal-controlled parliament, which was obstructing his agenda. However, prosecutors interpreted Yoon’s decree as an attempt to strengthen and prolong his rule, charging him with rebellion, abuse of power, and other criminal offenses.