Ex-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life in Prison Over 2024 Martial Law Order
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison after a court found him guilty of leading an insurrection.
On Thursday (February 19), a judge in Seoul ruled that he illegally declared martial law on December 3, 2024, sending troops to block the National Assembly.
Prosecutors said he tried to stop lawmakers from voting and attempted to arrest political opponents to gain full control of the government, per AP.
The martial law order lasted about six hours before lawmakers pushed past military forces and voted to end it. He was impeached later that month, and removed from office by April of 2025.
In court, the politician claimed he only wanted to warn the public about political gridlock. His lawyers said the ruling was unfair, and that they might appeal.
Five former military and police officials were sentenced as well, including ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who received 30 years in prison for helping plan and enforce the decree.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump is reportedly getting ready for a possible military strike in Iran, and some sources have said that it could start within the coming days.