Indictment of South Korean President Announced
South Korean prosecutors have brought charges against President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of instigating an insurrection. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
South Korean prosecutors have indicted President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of leading an insurrection during his brief imposition of martial law last month, local media reported on Sunday. Yoon, who was impeached on December 14, is accused of abusing his power and undermining democratic institutions.
On December 3, Yoon declared emergency martial law, alleging that the opposition was plotting a “rebellion” and accusing it of having ties with North Korea. This controversial decision was revoked within days, which led to his impeachment by the National Assembly. Following his arrest on January 15, there were violent protests from his supporters, who stormed the Seoul Western District Court.
“After comprehensively reviewing the evidence from the accomplice cases investigated so far… and the evidence from cases referred to the police and investigated, we determined that it was appropriate to indict [Yoon],” the prosecution stated, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Prosecutors charged Yoon without further investigation, citing the substantial evidence already obtained and concerns that he could tamper with evidence of his alleged crimes if not formally charged. They assert that his martial law decree was part of a larger scheme to take control of state functions.
Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity. If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Yoon’s legal team has dismissed the charges as being politically motivated, arguing that the martial law declaration was necessary to address legislative gridlock and opposition-led impeachments of his cabinet members. He, still in custody, has pledged to “fight alongside” his supporters “to the very end to protect this nation.”
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is considering whether to remove Yoon from office permanently, with a decision required within 180 days. Following his impeachment, Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is currently serving as acting president.
Notably, Yoon is the first sitting South Korean president to face criminal charges while in office.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
On December 3, Yoon declared emergency martial law, alleging that the opposition was plotting a “rebellion” and accusing it of having ties with North Korea. This controversial decision was revoked within days, which led to his impeachment by the National Assembly. Following his arrest on January 15, there were violent protests from his supporters, who stormed the Seoul Western District Court.
“After comprehensively reviewing the evidence from the accomplice cases investigated so far… and the evidence from cases referred to the police and investigated, we determined that it was appropriate to indict [Yoon],” the prosecution stated, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Prosecutors charged Yoon without further investigation, citing the substantial evidence already obtained and concerns that he could tamper with evidence of his alleged crimes if not formally charged. They assert that his martial law decree was part of a larger scheme to take control of state functions.
Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity. If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Yoon’s legal team has dismissed the charges as being politically motivated, arguing that the martial law declaration was necessary to address legislative gridlock and opposition-led impeachments of his cabinet members. He, still in custody, has pledged to “fight alongside” his supporters “to the very end to protect this nation.”
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is considering whether to remove Yoon from office permanently, with a decision required within 180 days. Following his impeachment, Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is currently serving as acting president.
Notably, Yoon is the first sitting South Korean president to face criminal charges while in office.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
