South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol indicted over martial law attempt

Impeached South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol has been charged with rebellion after he tried to declare martial law in December.

His ill-fated attempt to impose military rule plunged the country into an unprecedented political crisis, and he became the first sitting president in South Korean history to be accused of a crime.

The indictment comes after a Seoul court rejected a request to extend Yoon’s detention on Saturday, meaning prosecutors must decide whether to charge or release him before Monday.

“The punishment for the leaders of the rebellion finally begins now,” Han Min-soo, spokesman for the main opposition Democratic Party, said at a news conference.

Separately, the Constitutional Court began deliberations on whether to formally reject Yoon as president or reinstate him.

The impeachment president has largely refused to cooperate with Criminal investigation On declaring martial law.

Yoon is scheduled to go on trial along with the former defense minister and senior military commanders, who are accused of helping him plan and carry out the all-power takeover attempt.

In an unprecedented television announcement on December 3, Yoon said he was invoking martial law to protect the country from “anti-state” forces who sympathize with North Korea.

At the time, the embattled leader was on a roll over a budget bill, was rocked by corruption scandals and had several Cabinet ministers under investigation.

The military announced that all parliamentary activity was suspended and sought to impose controls on the media.

Opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung urged people to protest at the National Assembly and asked his fellow lawmakers to vote immediately to repeal the order.

Less than two hours after Yoon’s announcement, the 190 lawmakers who gathered — including some from the president’s party — voted unanimously to block him.

Soldiers equipped with rifles were seen entering the Parliament building through smashed windows as a dramatic confrontation ensued.

Thousands of civilians gathered in front of the assembly and tried to stop the soldiers.

Yoon was impeached by Parliament and suspended from his duties on December 14.

The issue sparked South Korea’s worst political crisis in decades and polarized the country.

Many of his tough supporters gathered around him. On Friday, tens of thousands gathered to protest, demanding his release and return to office.

If Yoon is removed from office, a presidential election will be held within 60 days.

The prosecutors’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.