South Korea: Yoon's Criminal Trial for Insurrection Charges Set to Begin on February 20

Synopsis

The upcoming criminal trial of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on insurrection charges related to his December 3 martial law declaration is scheduled for February 20. Yoon faces serious allegations, including conspiracy and abuse of power, as he navigates an impeachment trial.

Key Takeaways

Yoon's trial begins on February 20.
Charges relate to December 3 martial law declaration.
Impeachment trial ongoing alongside criminal charges.
Accusations include conspiracy and abuse of power.
Yoon met with PPP leaders to discuss party unity.

Seoul, Feb 3 (NationPress) The criminal trial of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol concerning his December 3 declaration of martial law is scheduled to commence later this month, as reported by legal sources on Monday.

In addition to facing an ongoing impeachment trial, Yoon is currently under criminal investigation for insurrection, which overrides his presidential immunity against prosecution.

A division of the Seoul Central District Court overseeing Yoon's case has set the initial pretrial hearing for February 20, according to sources.

Yoon is not required to attend this pretrial session since it serves as a procedural step to assess critical issues and evidence before the formal trial begins.

The allegations against Yoon include conspiring with former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to instigate an insurrection by declaring an unconstitutional and unlawful state of emergency, despite the lack of any signs of war, armed conflict, or a similar national crisis, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Yoon is also accused of deploying military troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against the martial law declaration and of plotting to detain significant political figures.

Earlier that day, Yoon convened with the leadership of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and urged them to come together to "bring hope" to the youth and the populace, according to officials on Monday.

During his meeting with PPP interim leader Kwon Young-se, PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, and Rep. Na Kyung-won at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, south of Seoul, Yoon emphasized the need for party unity.

"(Yoon) urged the party to unite and contribute to fostering hope for the public, particularly for the youth in their 20s and 30s," Na informed reporters post their visit.

The discussions also included worries regarding South Korea's future in light of the current international political climate and global economic conditions, she added.

Regarding his martial law declaration, Yoon clarified that it was a measure taken "out of heavy responsibility" to avert the National Assembly from effectively becoming a "one-party dictatorship" dominated by the main opposition Democratic Party.

The impeached president was officially detained on January 19 due to allegations of insurrection and abuse of power in connection with his brief imposition of martial law on December 3, as reported by Yonhap news agency.