Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Prison Over Martial Law Decree

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has been sentenced to five years in prison for charges related to his 2024 martial law decree. The case, marking the first of eight trials, sees Yoon facing allegations of rebellion and defiance against authorities. He rejects the charges as politically motivated.

In a landmark decision, the Seoul Central District Court has sentenced South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison. The ruling comes as the first verdict in a series of eight criminal trials involving Yoon's controversial 2024 imposition of martial law.

Yoon faces grave charges, including leading a rebellion. If convicted on the rebellion charge, he could face the death penalty. The court, however, sentenced him for other offenses, such as resisting arrest when authorities attempted to detain him.

Yoon has remained silent on the ruling. Previously, he has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. His team argues that his intention was to prevent chaos spurred by an obstructive parliament, not to extend his rule. Investigators, however, believe his decree aimed to cement his power.

(With inputs from agencies.)