Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday appealed his life sentence over his insurrection conviction from his failed bid to impose martial law. The appeal was filed by his lawyers five days after a court sentenced Yoon to life in prison for leading an insurrection when he briefly imposed martial law on Dec. 3, 2024.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon's lawyers stated, "We think we have a responsibility to clearly point out the problems with this decision for not only court records but for future historical records." They emphasized their intention to contest the special counsel's indictment and the court's decision, citing political motivations behind the ruling.
The Seoul Central District Court had ruled last Thursday that Yoon aimed to disable the National Assembly by deploying troops after declaring martial law, which constituted an insurrection under the Constitution. The court noted Yoon's personal involvement and leadership in the crime, highlighting the significant social impact and his lack of remorse.
Alongside Yoon, seven other defendants received their verdicts. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to 30 years, former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho to 12 years, and former Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency chief Kim Bong-sik to 10 years for their involvement.
In a separate trial, Yoon was previously sentenced to five years in prison for charges including obstruction of investigators' efforts to detain him last year.