Mazaj News (Web Desk) A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for obstructing justice and other offenses related to his controversial martial law declaration and the turmoil that followed.
This marks the first conviction for the embattled ex-leader, whose brief suspension of civilian government on December 3, 2024, sparked widespread protests and a parliamentary confrontation.
Having been removed from office, Yoon now faces multiple legal proceedings over his actions during the crisis and the disorder that ensued.
On Friday, Judge Baek Dae-hyun of Seoul’s Central District Court ruled that Yoon was guilty of obstructing justice by preventing investigators from detaining him.
He was also convicted for excluding cabinet ministers from a meeting concerning the martial law plan.
“Despite his paramount duty as president to uphold the Constitution and respect the rule of law, the defendant acted in blatant disregard of constitutional obligations,” Judge Baek stated.
“The defendant’s actions carry extremely serious consequences,” he added.
However, Yoon was acquitted of forging official documents due to insufficient evidence, the judge noted.
Yoon has seven days to file an appeal. Prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence, while Yoon maintained that he had broken no laws.