Seoul: A court announced on Monday its decision to broadcast live the appellate trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, scheduled for later this week. Han is facing charges for his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul High Court has opted to allow a live broadcast of the ruling at 10 a.m. on Thursday. This decision aligns with precedents permitting live coverage in high-profile cases that capture significant public interest.
In August of last year, Han was indicted without physical detention, accused of playing a pivotal role in an insurrection by abetting former President Yoon. Earlier this year, in January, Han received a 23-year prison sentence. This ruling marked a significant legal confirmation that the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, and subsequent actions, amounted to an insurrection. Han was immediately taken into custody following the court's decision.
The court also found Han guilty of signing a revised martial law proclamation after the initial decree was rescinded, in an effort to legitimize it. Additionally, Han was accused of discarding the document and providing false testimony under oath at the Constitutional Court.
In the appeals trial's final hearing last month, the special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, urged the court to maintain Han's 23-year sentence. Despite these charges, Han has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he attempted to dissuade Yoon from declaring martial law and denying any role in actions aimed at undermining the constitutional order.