Seoul, South Korea – Former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and suspended from office last December, has been indicted on charges of leading an insurrection, South Korean prosecutors announced on Sunday. The charges stem from Yoon’s brief but controversial imposition of martial law on December 3, which aimed to suppress political and parliamentary activities and impose control over the media.
The
indictment marks an unprecedented moment in South Korean history. If convicted,
Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty, although South Korea
has not carried out an execution in decades. The fallout from Yoon’s martial
law decree has triggered significant political turmoil in Asia’s fourth-largest
economy and a key U.S. ally.
The December
3 declaration, rescinded after approximately six hours, saw armed soldiers
entering the South Korean parliament building, smashing windows, and
confronting lawmakers. Parliamentarians quickly voted to annul the decree,
leading to Yoon’s impeachment on December 14 by the opposition-dominated
National Assembly.
Yoon, a
former chief prosecutor, was arrested on January 15 following a dramatic
standoff between his security team and arresting officials. He has since been
held in solitary confinement, despite his legal team arguing that his detention
is unlawful. Over the weekend, a court denied prosecutors' requests to extend
his detention, though they have since renewed their petition following the
indictment.
The
Democratic Party, South Korea's leading opposition force, welcomed the charges.
"The prosecution has decided to indict Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing
charges of being the ringleader of an insurrection," party spokesman Han
Min-soo stated during a press conference. "The punishment of the
ringleader now begins."
In his
defense, Yoon argued at a recent Constitutional Court hearing that the martial
law declaration was intended as a temporary measure to address a political
impasse rather than a permanent shift in governance. The Constitutional Court,
which has 180 days to determine Yoon’s fate, will decide whether to permanently
remove him from office or restore his presidential powers.
The
controversy has also implicated other high-ranking officials. The prime
minister has been impeached and suspended, while several military leaders face
legal action for their involvement in the martial law decree.
Should
Yoon be officially removed from office, South Korea will hold a presidential
election within 60 days, setting the stage for another pivotal moment in the nation’s
political landscape.
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