South Korean prosecutors request 10-year prison sentence for ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol
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Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has faced multiple trials for actions linked to his martial law declaration.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SEOUL – South Korean prosecutors on Dec 26 sought a 10-year prison sentence for former president Yoon Suk Yeol, for offences linked to his attempt to impose martial law in 2024
Yoon, 65, briefly suspended civilian rule in South Korea for the first time in more than four decades on Dec 3, 2024, prompting massive protests and a showdown in Parliament.
Since being removed from office in April
Prosecutors sought a 10-year prison term on Dec 26 for charges including obstruction of justice, after Yoon allegedly excluded Cabinet members from a martial law meeting and in January blocked investigators from detaining him.
“The defendant, who was supposed to safeguard the Constitution and uphold the rule of law, abused his power and hurt the public,” a prosecutor said in a recorded video clip of the trial before making the sentencing request.
“He has not apologised or shown remorse to the public, but instead tried to shift blame to his aides,” he added.
A Seoul court is expected to deliver a verdict in the case in January, according to Yonhap news agency.
Yoon said in December that his decision to declare martial law had been justified in the fight against “pro-China, pro-North Korea and traitorous activities”.
His three other trials include allegations of leading an insurrection, for which he could face the death penalty if found guilty. AFP, REUTERS
