South Korea's Former President Sentenced: A Landmark Conviction

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing his arrest after a failed bid to impose martial law. The court found him guilty of abusing his power, fabricating documents, and violating legal procedures. Yoon plans to appeal the decision.

In a landmark decision, South Korea's former President, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been sentenced to five years in prison. The charges include obstructing justice following his controversial attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. This conviction marks a significant moment in South Korean politics, stirring both national and international attention.

The Seoul Central District Court determined that Yoon obstructed legal efforts to arrest him by mobilising presidential security to thwart the execution of a rightful warrant. Additionally, he was found guilty of document fabrication and not adhering to legal martial law procedures, as reported during a televised court session.

One of Yoon's attorneys, Yoo Jung-hwa, announced plans to appeal, claiming the ruling was politically motivated. Despite Yoon's defense that his actions were a legitimate exercise of presidential power, his martial law declaration lasted mere hours but had profound effects, leading to his impeachment and subsequent removal from office by South Korea's Constitutional Court.

(With inputs from agencies.)