May face years in prison - South Korean President accused of insurrection
Yoon Suk Yeol (photo: Getty Images)
On Sunday, South Korean prosecutors charged President Yoon Suk Yeol with leading an insurrection. This refers to the martial law that the president imposed in December and is now in the process of impeachment, NBC News reports.
According to the media outlet, if Yoon is found guilty, he could face years in prison for his martial law decree, which was aimed at banning political and parliamentary activities and controlling the media. In addition, the prime minister was impeached and removed from power, and several high-ranking military officials were indicted for their role in the alleged coup.
The media say, the court twice rejected prosecutors' requests to extend Yoon's detention over the weekend pending further investigation. However, in light of the charges, the court again demanded that he remain in custody.
"The prosecutor's office has decided to indict Yoon Suk Yeol, accused of being the leader of the insurrection. The punishment for the leader of the insurrection is finally beginning," said Han Min-soo, a representative of the Democratic Party.
NBC writes that insurrection is one of the few criminal charges from which the South Korean president is not immune. It is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty, although South Korea has not executed anyone for several decades.
On January 15, investigators came to the residence of ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to make a second attempt to arrest him. And this time it was successful.
