Post by : Meena Ariff

South Korea’s special prosecutor has formally requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of masterminding an insurrection linked to his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024. The demand was made during closing arguments at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday, marking one of the most serious legal actions ever pursued against a former South Korean leader.

Prosecutors told the court that their investigation uncovered a long-running plan allegedly led by Yoon and his former defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, aimed at keeping Yoon in power beyond constitutional limits. According to the prosecution, the scheme began as early as October 2023 and later culminated in the sudden imposition of martial law, a move that shocked the nation and triggered widespread political backlash.

The special prosecutor argued that the declaration of martial law was not a spontaneous decision made during a crisis, but the result of deliberate planning involving key figures within the former administration. Investigators claim the plan included steps to control state institutions and suppress opposition, actions they say meet the legal threshold for insurrection under South Korean law.

While the prosecution has sought the death penalty, the case carries added historical weight because South Korea has not carried out an execution in nearly 30 years. The country has effectively observed a moratorium on capital punishment, even though the death penalty remains legal for serious crimes such as treason and insurrection.

Yoon, who has denied all allegations, was not immediately available for comment following the hearing. His legal team has consistently argued that the martial law order was issued to maintain stability and did not amount to an attempt to overthrow constitutional order.

The court is expected to continue deliberations before issuing a verdict at a later date. The outcome could have lasting implications for South Korea’s political landscape, accountability of former leaders, and the future debate over capital punishment in the country.

#Global News