Ex-South Korean President Yoon Sentenced to Life in Prison for Insurrection

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Found Guilty in Martial Law Case

A Seoul Central District Court has delivered a verdict in the case against former President Yoon Suk-yeol, finding him guilty of masterminding an insurrection related to his declaration of martial law in December 2024. The court sentenced Yoon to life imprisonment.

According to the court’s ruling, Yoon was found to have led the December 3, 2024 insurrection, which resulted in significant social costs. Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon stated that there is no indication of remorse from Yoon regarding the declaration of martial law.

The court established that Yoon was the leader of the insurrection and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The ruling also found that Yoon intended to prevent and paralyze the National Assembly’s functioning for an extended period, but rejected claims that he planned to establish a long-term dictatorship.

Yoon maintained his innocence throughout the trial, arguing that he had presidential authority to declare martial law and that his decision was aimed at preventing opposition parties from obstructing government work. The court’s verdict marks a significant development in the case against Yoon, who is now facing life imprisonment for his role in the insurrection.

Source: Al Jazeera