Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rebellion
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment in a rebellion case. The prosecution had previously requested the death penalty for the politician. The court ruled that he was 'the initiator and organizer of the crime, involved a large number of people,' and showed 'no signs of remorse,' writes CNBC. 'Former President Yoon imposed martial law to establish control over the judicial and legislative branches and retain power for an extended period. His crime is serious because he mobilized material resources that should only be used for the benefit of the national community,' stated the special prosecutor during the court hearings. The former South Korean president declared martial law in the country on December 3, 2024. Yonhap reported that Yoon Suk-yeol cited a 'threat of paralysis of power' due to the opposition's attempts to impeach him. The former president himself stated that this was necessary to eliminate pro-North Korean forces and maintain constitutional order. Within a few hours, the country's parliament repealed martial law. Yoon Suk-yeol was later impeached. In January 2025, he was arrested on charges of organizing a rebellion and abuse of power. In June of the same year, presidential elections were held in South Korea, won by a candidate from the opposition Democratic Party.
