Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

Prosecutors in South Korea Request Death Penalty for Former President Yoon Suk Yeol

Prosecutors in South Korea have requested that former President Yoon Suk Yeol face the death penalty due to his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. The special prosecutor team, led by Cho Eun-suk, made the plea during court proceedings at the Central Court in Seoul, accusing Yoon of threatening the "liberal democratic constitutional order" through his alleged "self-coup".

"The largest victims of the insurrection in this case are the citizens of this country," prosecutors stated. "There are no mitigating circumstances to consider in the sentencing, and instead, a severe penalty must be imposed." Yoon plunged South Korea into a crisis with his martial law declaration in December 2024, prompting protesters and lawmakers to storm the parliament to force a vote against the measure. The decree was quickly ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, leading to Yoon's suspension, removal from office, and incarceration.

Yoon's criminal trial for insurrection, abuse of power, and other offenses related to the martial law declaration concluded Tuesday after 11 hours of hearings. The court is expected to deliver its verdict in his case on February 19, according to Yonhap news agency.

Yoon denies the accusations against him, asserting that he acted within his authority to declare martial law in response to what he characterized as obstruction from opposition parties. Speaking in court on Tuesday, he criticized the investigations into the rebellion allegations as "frantic" and full of "manipulation" and "distortion". If found guilty, Yoon would become the third South Korean president convicted of insurrection, following two former military leaders sentenced for their roles in the 1979 coup.

Even if Yoon receives the death penalty, it is unlikely to be carried out, as South Korea has upheld an unofficial moratorium on executions since 1997. Yoon also faces additional trials related to various criminal charges associated with his martial law attempt and other scandals during his term. A Seoul court is expected to deliver a verdict on Friday in a case of obstruction of justice, which could lead to a 10-year prison sentence for Yoon. He also faces a trial on charges of aiding the enemy due to allegedly ordering drone flights over North Korea to justify his martial law declaration.

The office of President Lee Jae Myung, who was elected after Yoon was removed, issued a statement expressing hope that "justice will prevail in accordance with the law, principles, and public standards."