A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison Friday. The verdict stems from charges related to his 2024 martial law decree. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the sentence. It marks the first verdict from eight criminal trials against Yoon.
The charges include defying detention attempts and fabricating the martial law proclamation. Yoon was impeached, arrested, and dismissed from office following the decree. Public protests erupted in December 2024, demanding his removal.
Yoon faces a separate, more serious charge of rebellion related to the martial law enforcement. The independent counsel requested the death sentence in that case. A ruling is expected next month.
Yoon's imposition of martial law triggered widespread unrest. He claimed it was necessary to maintain order. Critics argued it was an overreach of power.
Yoon's legal team is expected to appeal Friday's verdict. The next hearing regarding the rebellion charge is scheduled for February.
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