Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison Friday for actions related to his 2024 martial law decree. The sentence, the first verdict in a series of trials stemming from his impeachment, was handed down by a South Korean court, according to multiple news sources.

Yoon, who was impeached and removed from office following widespread protests, was found guilty of abuse of power, obstructing justice, falsifying documents, defying detention attempts, and circumventing required Cabinet procedures in relation to the decree. The BBC reported that the court found Yoon's actions "plunged the country into political crisis," and that the former president had "consistently shown no remorse."

The martial law decree triggered nationwide turmoil in 2024, sparking protests as members of parliament rushed to overturn Yoon's decision, according to BBC World. Yoon maintained that the decree was intended to inform the public about parliamentary obstruction. However, prosecutors argued that it amounted to a rebellion and are seeking the death penalty in a separate trial for insurrection related to the same decree, NPR reported.

This sentencing marks the first verdict in a series of eight criminal trials stemming from Yoon's impeachment and removal from office. While this verdict addresses the martial law decree, Yoon still faces further legal challenges.