Seoul: A special counsel team has called for the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of leading an insurrection aimed at maintaining power through the imposition of martial law. The sentencing request was made during the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, with the ruling set for February 19. According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, claiming it was to eliminate anti-state forces. However, special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team argues that the move was a bid to seize control of the judiciary and legislature to extend his presidency. Assistant special counsel Park Eok-su highlighted the gravity of the crime, emphasizing that resources meant for national collective interest were misused. During the proceedings, Yoon, maintaining his innocence, stated that his actions were intended to safeguard freedom and sovereignty, not to impose a military dictatorship. He described the investigations against him as politically motivated purges. De spite his claims, Yoon was indicted last January for leading an insurrection by declaring martial law without a genuine national emergency, conspiring with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others. Yoon's supporters reacted vocally during the hearing, and the former president was seen smiling faintly. In his final 90-minute statement, he defended his constitutional right to declare a state of emergency, arguing that it does not equate to insurrection. The court had previously released Yoon in March after canceling his arrest, only to detain him again in July on additional charges related to his martial law attempt. Special counsel Park criticized Yoon for failing to reflect on his actions, which Park claimed undermined the constitutional order and democracy. The hearing, which included an 11-hour paper evidence examination by Yoon's lawyers, concluded at 2:25 a.m. on Wednesday. It resumed after an initial suspension when lawyers for the former defense minister delayed proceedings. The special prose cutors have also demanded life imprisonment for the former minister, 20 years for former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho, 15 years for former Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency chief Kim Bong-sik, and 30 years for retired Army Maj. Gen. Noh Sang-won. South Korea, while not having carried out the death penalty since December 1997, remains an abolitionist in practice. The case evokes memories of former President Chun Doo-hwan's trial on insurrection charges in 1996, where the death penalty was also recommended.