Prosecutors in South Korea Seek Death Penalty for Ex-President Yoon

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

A special prosecutor’s team has requested the death penalty for ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached over his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. The request was made to the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday, citing “liberal democratic constitutional order” as a threat.

Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, prompting widespread protests and a vote against the measure in parliament. The Supreme Court subsequently declared the decree unconstitutional, leading to Yoon’s impeachment, removal from office, and imprisonment.

The criminal trial for insurrection, abuse of power, and other related offenses concluded on Tuesday after 11 hours of proceedings. A verdict is expected on February 19.

Yoon has denied the charges against him, arguing that he acted within his authority to declare martial law in response to opposition party obstruction. In court, Yoon criticized investigations as “frenzied” and “manipulated.”

If found guilty, Yoon would become the third South Korean president convicted of insurrection. However, it is unlikely that a death sentence would be implemented due to an unofficial moratorium on executions in place since 1997.

Yoon faces multiple trials related to various criminal charges, including obstruction of justice and aiding the enemy over allegations of ordering drone flights over North Korea. A Seoul court is expected to deliver a verdict on Friday on an obstruction of justice case, which could result in up to 10 years in prison.

Source: Al Jazeera