South Korean Prosecutors Demand Death Sentence for Former President
South Korean special prosecutors have made a dramatic courtroom demand. They want the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The prosecutors accuse him of masterminding an insurrection. This relates to his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024.
Closing Arguments Reveal Alleged Scheme
In closing arguments at the Seoul Central District Court, a prosecutor presented their case. They stated investigators confirmed the existence of a scheme. This plan allegedly dates back to October 2023. The prosecutor claims Yoon and his former defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, directed it. The apparent goal was to keep Yoon in power.
The prosecutor strongly rejected Yoon's defense. "Yoon claims to have committed emergency martial law to protect liberal democracy," the prosecutor said. "But his unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law undermined the function of the National Assembly and the Election Commission. It actually destroyed the liberal democratic constitutional order."
The prosecution argued Yoon shows no remorse. "The defendant has not sincerely regretted the crime," they stated. "He has not apologised properly to the people."
Courtroom Drama and Denials
The sentencing request caused a stir in the courtroom. Yoon shook his head when he heard it. He even appeared to chuckle. Some of his supporters in court also laughed. A few muttered expletives. This prompted the judge to call for order.
Yoon, who is 65 years old, continues to deny all charges. The Yonhap news agency quoted his statement in court. He said he declared martial law to fend off what he called "the wickedness that would ruin the nation."
His legal team argues the action was within presidential powers. They claim it aimed to sound the alarm. They say opposition parties were obstructing government functions.
Historical Context and Legal Precedents
The botched martial law bid lasted only about six hours. Yet it sent shockwaves through the nation. South Korea is Asia's fourth-largest economy. It is a key U.S. security ally. The country was long considered one of Asia's most resilient democracies.
The court will deliver its ruling on February 19. It is important to note a key legal reality. The sentence prosecutors seek is not always upheld in South Korean courts.
South Korea has a significant historical precedent. In the 1995-1996 court case, former Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo faced insurrection charges. Prosecutors sought the death penalty for Chun and life imprisonment for Roh.
A lower court initially handed down a death sentence for Chun. It gave Roh a 22-and-a-half-year jail term. An appeals court later revised these sentences. It changed Chun's penalty to life in prison. It reduced Roh's term to 17 years. Both men received a presidential pardon after serving about two years in jail.
Death Penalty in Modern South Korea
South Korea maintains the death penalty in law. However, the country has not carried out an execution in nearly three decades. The last execution occurred in 1997. Courts last handed down a death sentence in 2016.
The office of current President Lee Jae Myung issued a statement. Lee was elected after Yoon was ousted last year. The statement expressed confidence in the judiciary. It said the office "believes the judiciary will rule in accordance with the law, principles, and public standards."
This case represents a profound moment for South Korea's legal and political systems. The nation watches closely as its recent history undergoes judicial scrutiny. The February 19 ruling will conclude a chapter that has gripped the country.
