South Korea’s Former President Sentenced to Five Years in Prison to impose Martial Law

By: The Trek News Desk

South Korea’s impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison for offences linked to his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. The court found him guilty of abusing his authority, obstructing justice and tampering with official government records.

This ruling marks the first verdict among four separate criminal trials currently underway against Yoon. His sudden declaration of martial law last year plunged the country into political chaos, prompting lawmakers to rush to the National Assembly and triggering widespread public protests. The emergency order was eventually withdrawn amid mounting pressure.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, the presiding judge said Yoon’s actions had pushed the nation into a serious political crisis and noted that the former president had shown no sign of remorse for his conduct.

The five-year sentence is being viewed as an indication of how Yoon’s remaining trials may unfold. He faces multiple charges, ranging from further allegations of power abuse to violations of election laws. The most serious case involves charges of insurrection, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. A verdict in that trial is expected in February.

Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse during the hearing, watching the proceedings on a large screen. Some held red banners reading slogans such as “Yoon again! Make Korea great again.” Reactions were mixed as the verdict was announced, with a few supporters voicing anger while others remained silent.

The court ruled that Yoon misused presidential security staff to block his arrest, declared martial law without consulting the full cabinet, and drafted a false document claiming approval from the prime minister and defence minister, which was later destroyed.

The judge stressed that safeguarding the constitution and the rule of law is a president’s fundamental responsibility, adding that Yoon had failed to uphold that duty. Prosecutors had requested a 10-year prison term for these offences. Both the defence and prosecution have been given seven days to file an appeal.

Yoon has denied all allegations, arguing that the arrest warrant issued against him was unlawful. He also claimed that the law does not require a president to consult every cabinet member before invoking emergency powers and that investigators lacked the legal authority to detain him.

While South Korean courts often show leniency when defendants accept responsibility, prosecutors argued that Yoon’s refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing justified a tougher sentence.

Previously, former president Park Geun-hye was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2021 on charges of corruption and abuse of power, though she was later pardoned and released.

Six months after Yoon’s failed martial law bid, opposition leader Lee Jae Myung secured a decisive electoral victory. However, the ongoing trials have once again highlighted deep political divisions within South Korea.

Despite the controversies, Yoon continues to have a loyal support base, with many viewing him as a political victim. While his actions sparked massive protests across the country, smaller counter-demonstrations in his support were also seen.

Source: News Agencies