February 19, New Delhi: A South Korean court is set to deliver its verdict on charges of insurrection against former President Yoon Suk Yeol in a criminal case that could result in a death sentence over his 2024 declaration of martial law.
The sentencing on Thursday afternoon concludes a year-long trial that began soon after Yoon's attempt to place the country under military rule. Yoon was indicted last year on charges of insurrection following his abrupt move to suspend civilian rule, a decision that sparked the nation's worst constitutional crisis in decades. The brief decree ultimately led to his impeachment and the first arrest and indictment of a sitting South Korean president.
Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for the ousted leader, arguing that he endangered the country's democracy and constitutional order. Thursday's decision is one of several ongoing legal proceedings tied to the martial law declaration.
In January, Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison in a separate case on other charges, including resisting arrest. Last month, his wife, Kim Keon Hee, received a 20-month prison term in a bribery case.
Also last month, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison for his role in the declaration, a term significantly longer than the 15 years sought by prosecutors.
