Indictment of South Korean President Yoon on Insurrection Charges
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Synopsis
On January 26, South Korea's prosecution indicted President Yoon Suk-yeol on insurrection charges, marking a historic moment as he is the first sitting president to face such accusations. The case involves alleged conspiracy to unlawfully declare martial law.
Key Takeaways
- President Yoon Suk-yeol indicted on insurrection charges.
- First incumbent president in South Korea to be arrested and indicted.
- Allegations of conspiracy with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
- Trial while in custody ongoing.
- Impeachment motion passed on December 14.
Seoul, Jan 26 (NationPress) The prosecution in South Korea has indicted the detained President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of insurrection, according to various media reports on Sunday.
Yoon is currently undergoing a trial while in custody, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first sitting president in the nation to face formal arrest and indictment, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The allegations against Yoon include colluding with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who has also been indicted while in detention, to unlawfully declare martial law and send armed forces to the National Assembly.
After the anti-corruption agency handed over Yoon's case, the prosecution sought to extend his detention twice for further investigation; however, the Seoul Central District Court denied these requests to expedite Yoon's trial.
On January 19, a separate Seoul court issued a warrant allowing Yoon to remain in custody for a maximum of 20 days, inclusive of the arrest period.
Yoon was taken into custody at the presidential office on January 15.
The National Assembly passed a motion to impeach Yoon on December 14 of the previous year, forwarding it to the constitutional court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate, during which Yoon's presidential powers are suspended.
On the night of December 3, Yoon declared a state of emergency martial law, which was quickly rescinded by the National Assembly just hours later.
