South Korea: Former President Yoon Rejects Insurrection Allegations at Initial Trial Hearing
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Synopsis
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended himself in his first trial over insurrection charges, claiming his martial law attempt did not amount to insurrection. He faces serious allegations following his impeachment and removal from office.
Key Takeaways
- Yoon Suk Yeol faces insurrection charges.
- The trial began on April 14 at Seoul Central District Court.
- Yoon claims his martial law declaration was not an insurrection.
- Insurrection carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
- Two military officers are set to testify during the hearing.
Seoul, April 14 (NationPress) Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol presented his defense during his inaugural criminal trial concerning insurrection allegations on Monday, asserting that his attempt to impose martial law in December did not constitute an insurrection.
Yoon arrived at the Seoul Central District Court in a black security vehicle, entering through the underground parking to minimize public visibility.
The first hearing commenced shortly before 10 a.m., with Yoon in the defendant's chair, dressed in a navy suit. Photographic and filming activities by the press were prohibited under a court directive.
Yoon, a former chief prosecutor, is charged with orchestrating an insurrection through his brief imposition of martial law on December 3, which involved the deployment of troops to the National Assembly in an alleged effort to prevent lawmakers from rejecting the decree.
He was impeached by the National Assembly shortly thereafter and was removed from office on April 4 following the unanimous support of his impeachment by the Constitutional Court.
"The indictment merely outlines the investigation details regarding the events that transpired during the few hours between 10:30 p.m. on December 3 and 2 to 3 a.m.," Yoon remarked after the prosecution summarized its allegations.
"It contradicts legal principles to construct an insurrection case based on an indictment resembling a report of an incident that lasted only a few hours and was promptly lifted in a non-violent manner upon complying with the National Assembly's demand to revoke it," he added.
However, the prosecution argued, referencing the former President's perspective on state affairs and his preparations leading up to the martial law declaration, that he aimed to "initiate a riot" with the intention of "overthrowing the Constitution."
Insurrection is classified as a crime punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment or the death penalty, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Since his removal from office, Yoon has vacated the official presidential residence located in Seoul's Hannam-dong, returning to his private home situated a mere ten-minute walk from the court.
During Monday's hearing, two military officers will be called as witnesses.
