'South Korea's Trump' Sentenced to Five Years Over Martial Law
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years for obstructing investigators, abusing power and unlawfully declaring martial law, while facing separate insurrection charges.
Overview
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol received a five-year prison sentence from Seoul Central District Court for special obstruction, abuse of power and falsifying documents related to martial law actions.
In January investigators attempted to arrest Yoon; he barricaded his residence and ordered presidential security to block the warrant, prompting a prolonged standoff and mass police operation.
On Dec. 3, 2024, Yoon declared martial law and dispatched police and troops to the National Assembly; lawmakers swiftly overrode the decree, and the emergency rule collapsed after about six hours.
Judge Baek Dae-hyun said Yoon disregarded the constitution, selectively convened loyal cabinet members, backdated documents and showed no remorse, calling his actions deserving of condemnation and heavy punishment.
The conviction is the first of eight criminal trials against Yoon; prosecutors seek the death penalty in a separate insurrection case, and Yoon's legal team says it will appeal.
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FAQ
Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison for special obstruction of investigators, abuse of power, and falsifying documents related to his martial law actions.
In January, investigators attempted to arrest Yoon, but he barricaded his residence and ordered presidential security to block the warrant, leading to a prolonged standoff and mass police operation.
Yoon declared martial law citing threats from North Korean communist forces, pro-North Korea anti-state elements, and opposition obstruction including budget cuts and impeachment proceedings.
Lawmakers in the National Assembly unanimously voted 190-0 to override the decree, causing the emergency rule to collapse after about six hours.
Judge Baek Dae-hyun stated Yoon disregarded the constitution, selectively convened loyalists, backdated documents, and showed no remorse. This is the first of eight trials; prosecutors seek the death penalty in a separate insurrection case, and Yoon plans to appeal.
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