South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Indicted on Insurrection Charges
President Yoon Suk Yeol has been formally indicted by South Korean prosecutors on charges of leading an insurrection, following his controversial imposition of martial law last month. The indictment comes after Yoon was impeached and arrested in December, facing accusations of abusing power and undermining democratic institutions.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on December 3, claiming the opposition was plotting a rebellion and accusing it of sympathizing with North Korea. However, the measure was quickly overturned, leading to his impeachment by the National Assembly. Yoon’s arrest sparked violent protests by his supporters who stormed the Seoul Western District Court.
Prosecutors indicted Yoon without further investigation, citing sufficient evidence already collected and concerns that he could destroy evidence of his alleged crimes unless formally charged. They allege that his martial law decree was part of a broader plan to seize control of state functions.
Insurrection is among the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity. If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. However, Yoon’s legal team dismisses the charges as politically motivated, describing the martial law declaration as a necessary measure to counter legislative gridlock and opposition-led impeachments of his cabinet members.
The country’s Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether to permanently remove Yoon from office. A decision must be made within 180 days. Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended following his impeachment, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo serving as acting president. Yoon is the first sitting South Korean president to face such a crisis.