South Korea's Yoon at the first hearing in the uprising process

South Korea's Yoon at the first hearing in the uprising process

The shot President of South Korea, Yoon suk yeol Thursday before a court in Seoul for his first hearing in the context of a procedure for uprising - the first criminal proceedings against a reigning head of state in the history of the country.

allegations against Yoon Suk Yeol

Last month, Yoon was blamed that he imposed martial law on December 3 to lead to an uprising. The public prosecutor had then charged him.

court hearing and safety precautions

A vehicle convoy of the Ministry of Justice brought Yoon from the Detention Center in Seoul to the court. Numerous police buses were available in front of the court to ensure security during the trial.

reaction of the defense

The public prosecutor demanded a rapid continuation of the procedure in view of the severity of the allegations. However, Yoon's lawyers needed more time to check the documents. "Yoon had no intention to paralyze the country," said one of his lawyers in court and added that the explanation of martial law served to draw the public aware of the "legislative dictatorship of the Great Opposition Party".

severity of the indictment and possible consequences

should Yoon be convicted, he threatens years of prison for his ordinance on martial law, which the country put in turmoil and aimed to ban political and parliamentary activities and to control the media. This step triggered political unrest in the fourth largest economy of Asia and an important ally of the United States, whereby the Prime Minister was also relieved of his office and suspended by power.

further legal steps

The Yoon lawyers also applied for the cancellation of his detention by explaining that the investigation had been carried out illegally and there was no risk that Yoon could destroy evidence. It is unclear when the court will judge the liability decision; However, the next hearing was scheduled for March 24th.

parallel impeachment procedure

After the criminal trial, Yoon took part in a parallel impeachment procedure of the constitutional court on Thursday afternoon, which is located in the final phase. Witnesses were also in court, Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo, who was also removed from his office and is waiting for the decision of the court on his fate.

statements by the witnesses

"I am deeply burdened by the despair that each of our citizens felt based on the extreme policy that took place before, during and after the emergency of martial law," said Han.

decision of the constitutional court

"All procedures that have to do with the emergency of martial law must be carried out fairly and appropriately so that there is no further spark of the national division." The Constitutional Court checks Yoon's impeachment, which took place on December 14th, and will decide whether it will be removed from office or reinstated.

The position of Yoon and possible new elections

Yoon and his lawyers argue that he has never intended to fully enforce martial law; Rather, he only thought these measures as a warning to break through a political patient situation. If Yoon is removed from his office, a new presidential election would have to be held within 60 days.