South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted Saturday for abuse of power and other charges linked to his controversial attempt to impose martial law last year, as prosecutors widened an ongoing insurrection probe.
Yoon triggered a political crisis on December 3 when he deployed troops to the National Assembly in a failed bid to prevent lawmakers from overturning his martial law declaration—an unprecedented move seen as an attempt to subvert civilian rule.
He was detained in January, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to be taken into custody. Authorities said he had resisted arrest for weeks by using his presidential security detail to obstruct investigators. Although he was briefly released on procedural grounds in March, his trial on insurrection charges continued.
Yoon was rearrested last week following the issuance of a new warrant over fears he might tamper with evidence.
“Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on charges including abuse of power and obstruction of official duties,” prosecutor Park Ji-young told reporters.
Prosecutors say Yoon failed to follow legal procedures in declaring martial law, including bypassing a mandatory full cabinet meeting. He also allegedly falsified a document claiming that the prime minister and defense minister had endorsed the move.
Despite refusing to cooperate with investigators while in custody, Yoon appeared in court on Friday to challenge his detention, citing health issues and limited mobility. The court denied his request.
He is currently being held in solitary confinement in a cell equipped only with a fan, amid an ongoing heatwave across South Korea.
AFP
