Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced Over Martial Law Attempt

Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing justice and fabricating documents following a failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. The Seoul Central District Court charged him with abusing his presidential power to block an arrest warrant and violating legal procedures.

In a landmark ruling on Friday, South Korea's former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to five years in prison following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. Yoon was found guilty of obstructing justice and misusing his influence as president to block authorities from executing an arrest warrant.

During the televised proceedings, the court revealed that Yoon had mobilized the presidential security service to fabricate official documents and avoid a formal cabinet discussion on the martial law declaration. His conviction is pivotal in the series of charges he faces regarding his unauthorized military rule bid.

Yoon, appearing slimmer and with noticeably grey hair, displayed no emotion when the verdict was announced. His lawyer, Yoo Jung-hwa, stated that they plan to appeal the decision, criticizing it as politically motivated. Outside the court, Yoon's supporters gathered in protest, calling the trial a 'political witch hunt'.

(With inputs from agencies.)