Prosecutors on Friday demanded a 10-year prison sentence for former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol in the first of four trials linked to his failed attempt to impose martial law, as a potential ruling against Yoon next month could keep him behind bars even before his most serious case is concluded.
This first case focuses on Yoon’s actions before and after the martial law decree was issued on December 3 last year, including obstructing his arrest, bypassing Cabinet procedures and forging official documents to create the appearance of a lawful proclamation.
Wearing a dark blue suit without a tie, Yoon appeared tense in court, at one point letting out a bitter laugh of disbelief as special prosecutors laid out their argument for severe punishment ahead of the scheduled verdict on January 16.
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If convicted, the 65-year-old former president is expected to face at least five years in prison on the charges in this trial alone. He faces a more serious, separate charge of masterminding the failed imposition of martial law – a crime punishable by either death or life imprisonment, according to legal analysts.
“In light of the sentencing request and usual court practices, Yoon is likely to receive at least five years in prison in this trial alone, which would effectively eliminate the possibility of his release when the initial six-month custody period expires on January 18,” Yi Zoon-il, a professor at Korea University Law School, told This Week in Asia.
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Yoon and his defence team has urged the 35th criminal court panel, led by senior judge Baek Dae-hyun, to postpone a verdict on the current case until after the conclusion of deliberations by another panel in February in the main insurrection case, arguing that an earlier ruling could prejudice the more serious trial.