Synopsis
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea is set to face a criminal trial this Monday on insurrection charges. This follows his recent removal from office due to a controversial martial law declaration made last December. The trial marks a significant moment in South Korea's political history as Yoon becomes the fifth former president to stand trial.Key Takeaways
- Yoon Suk Yeol's trial begins on Monday.
- He was ousted after a martial law declaration.
- Yoon will enter through an underground parking area.
- Trial could lead to life imprisonment or death penalty.
- Security measures are in place to prevent protests.
Seoul, April 13 (NationPress) The inaugural criminal proceedings against former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol are set to commence this week, just 10 days following his ousting from the presidency due to a brief declaration of martial law in December, as confirmed by court officials on Sunday.
The Seoul Central District Court will initiate the hearing regarding Yoon's insurrection allegations at 10 a.m. on Monday. As the accused, Yoon is required to be present during the trial, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
Yoon will become the fifth ex-president to undergo a criminal trial.
He will enter the courtroom through an underground parking area, and the court has implemented security measures to counter any potential protests near the court premises.
Photography by the media will be prohibited within the courtroom prior to the commencement of the trial.
During the formal proceedings, Yoon will be required to provide his name, date of birth, occupation, and residence at the outset. Following this, the prosecution will present the charges against Yoon, who is anticipated to refute them. The former president may also request the judge to allow him to present his defense.
If found guilty of leading an insurrection, Yoon could potentially face a life sentence or even the death penalty.
On Monday, Cho Sung-hyun, commander of the First Security Group of the Capital Defence Command, and Kim Hyung-ki, head of the First Special Forces Battalion of the Special Warfare Command, are expected to testify.
During Yoon's impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, Cho testified that he was instructed by then Capital Defence Commander Lee Jin-woo to deploy troops to “drag out” lawmakers from the National Assembly following Yoon's martial law declaration on December 3.
Kim is also believed to have received a similar directive from his superior that same evening.
