Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will appear in court on Monday, where he is accused of coup d’état for attempting to impose martial law last December.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Attempted Military Coup
Yoon declared martial law on December 3, ordering the suspension of political activities and the implementation of media censorship. However, the martial law decree was revoked just six hours after its adoption. This attempt to seize power led to Yoon’s swift impeachment by the National Assembly, and on April 4, the Constitutional Court ultimately removed him from the presidency.
Further Consequences and Trial
Despite losing his presidential powers, Yoon faces trial on charges of coup d’état. At a preliminary hearing in February, Yoon’s lawyers argued that his detention was conducted improperly, which the court agreed with. As a result, he was released 52 days after his arrest.
Yoon was arrested in January during a dawn raid after hiding from law enforcement for several weeks. He became the first sitting president of South Korea to be arrested. If found guilty, Yoon could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
On Friday, the 64-year-old former leader left the presidential residence and returned to his private home in Seoul, where he was warmly welcomed by supporters. Early presidential elections in South Korea are scheduled for June 3. The current acting head of state is Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.