Seoul: A special counsel team on Wednesday demanded a 15-year prison term for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on charges of abetting former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law. Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team made the request during the final hearing of Han's trial at the Seoul Central District Court, marking a significant moment in the legal proceedings against members of the previous administration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Han Duck-soo has become the first Cabinet member of the Yoon administration to receive a sentencing recommendation in connection to the martial law case. The case has drawn significant public attention due to its implications for the rule of law and the accountability of government officials in the country. The prosecution's call for a lengthy prison term underscores the gravity of the charges against the former Prime Minister.

The charges against Han relate to his alleged role in supporting and facilitating Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial decision to impose martial law. This decision had been widely criticized both domestically and internationally at the time, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and civil liberties. The special counsel's team has been investigating the actions of several key figures in the administration, with Han being one of the most prominent.

The Seoul Central District Court is now tasked with deciding Han's fate, as the trial concludes and the judges deliberate on the appropriate course of action. The outcome of this case is expected to have significant repercussions for other pending cases related to the martial law imposition and could set a precedent for how such instances are handled in the future.