Seoul: The Seoul High Court announced on Wednesday that it will convene a meeting of judges next week to deliberate on the formation of special benches dedicated to handling insurrection cases. This initiative follows the failed attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol to impose martial law in 2024.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this development comes in the wake of the Democratic Party-controlled National Assembly's recent legislation. Last month, the assembly passed a bill establishing two panels each at the Seoul Central District Court and the Seoul High Court. These panels are specifically tasked with adjudicating cases involving insurrection, treason, and rebellion charges.

The Democratic Party has advocated for the creation of these special benches, citing concerns over perceived delays and unfairness in the trials related to martial law cases. The new legislation officially took effect on Tuesday.

The appellate court's meeting, scheduled for next Thursday, aims to establish guidelines for the operation of these special benches. Key topics will include the criteria for selecting judges to be assigned to these panels.

Currently, Yoon and several former officials are facing trial on insurrection charges linked to the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. These ongoing cases will continue under their current judicial panels. However, in the event of an appeal, Yoon's case would be transitioned to a special panel after the expected verdict next month.