Seoul: The Seoul Central District Court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment in a first-trial ruling, concluding the judiciary's examination of the December 3 martial law declaration. This decision follows earlier convictions of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min for insurrection. The court's severe sentence for Yoon, identified as the ringleader, underscores its determination that the martial law declaration and the occupation of the National Assembly were insurrectionary acts that undermined democratic principles.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon's legal team argued that the ruling disregarded the president's attempt to stabilize a nation in crisis. However, the court maintained that disabling constitutional institutions constitutes subversion of the Constitution, a stance that aligns with public common sense. The verdict is seen as a culmination of public witnessing of events as they unfolded. Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon emphasized the criticality of troops being sent to the National Assembly, highlighting the repercussions for any president who undermines democratic governance.
The court dismissed most of Yoon's defenses, likening his actions to historical instances of insurrection, such as the execution of King Charles I of England. It rejected Yoon's assertion that the martial law was a mere warning to overcome a crisis posed by an "anti-state" National Assembly, pointing out the confusion between justification and purpose. The court found that the actions taken, including the blockade of the Assembly and seizure of the National Election Commission, were inherently riotous. Moreover, Yoon's claim of a "three-hour martial law" was rejected as he never set a withdrawal timetable for the troops.
Other key figures received significant sentences: former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and former intelligence commander Noh Sang-won were sentenced to 30 and 18 years, respectively, while former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho and former Seoul police chief Kim Bong-sik received 12 and 10 years, respectively. However, former Col. Kim Yong-gun and former investigation planning coordinator Yoon Seung-young were acquitted due to insufficient evidence of their participation in the insurrection.
The court elaborated on the social damage caused, urging Yoon and the People Power Party to heed its findings. Judge Ji highlighted that the martial law declaration and subsequent actions severely compromised the political neutrality of the armed forces and police, damaged Korea's political reputation, and left the society deeply divided. The judge pointed to incalculable social costs resulting from the crisis, including a snap presidential election and extensive investigations.
The court opted for life imprisonment over the death penalty, considering the lack of premeditation, efforts to restrain force, the absence of actual violence, and Yoon's advanced age. Although Yoon attempted to shift blame to subordinates, it was the restraint shown by rank-and-file troops that spared him the harshest penalty.
Yoon and political leaders from both ruling and opposition parties are urged to accept the verdict and focus on safeguarding the constitutional order. His lawyers' claims of judicial bias appear aimed at galvanizing hard-line supporters. The People Power Party is encouraged to sever ties with Yoon and realign with public sentiment, while the Democratic Party is criticized for its shortsighted response, including calls for the death penalty and assertions of judicial detachment from the public. Both parties are reminded to prioritize the citizens affected by the crisis.