A South Korean court has handed down a life sentence to former president Yoon Suk Yeol for orchestrating an insurrection related to his attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The prosecutors had pushed for the death penalty in this closely monitored case in a nation deeply divided.
This ruling marks a significant outcome in a series of trials faced by the ousted leader, whose actions triggered a major political crisis and tested the strength of democracy in the country. Yoon collaborated with his then-defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, to undermine the constitutional order by sending troops to parliament with the aim of disrupting its operations, Judge Jee Kui-youn conveyed to a filled courtroom.
The court deemed the deployment of armed forces to parliament and the use of equipment to attempt arrests as acts of insurrection, as declared by the panel of three judges. Judge Jee stated that Yoon led a group of officials and troops in unlawful activities on December 3, 2024.
