Former South Korean President Indicted for Abuse of Power
Seoul: Disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea was indicted on charges of abuse of power on Saturday, related to his declaration of martial law last year, as investigations into an insurrection expanded.
Yoon instigated a political crisis in South Korea when he attempted to undermine civilian governance on December 3 by deploying military personnel to the National Assembly in an effort to prevent lawmakers from rejecting his martial law declaration.
In January, he became the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested after resisting capture for weeks, utilizing his presidential security team to obstruct investigators.
Although he was released in March due to procedural issues while facing ongoing insurrection trial proceedings, he was apprehended again last week following the issuance of an arrest warrant due to fears he could destroy evidence pertinent to the case.
Prosecutor Park Ji-young informed reporters on Saturday that “former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on charges including abuse of power and obstruction of special official duties.” Park noted that Yoon failed to adhere to necessary protocols when declaring martial law, such as convening a meeting with all cabinet members.
Additionally, Yoon is accused of “drafting and discarding a fraudulent document” asserting that both the prime minister and defense minister had approved the martial law declaration.
While Yoon has declined to participate in questioning since his detention, he did appear in court on Friday for a hearing aimed at contesting the validity of his arrest warrant. His legal representatives stated that Yoon defended himself for over 30 minutes, citing “limited physical mobility and various challenges.”
The court ultimately rejected his request.
Currently, Yoon is being held in solitary confinement in a cell equipped with a fan but lacking air conditioning amid a heat wave affecting South Korea.
