Seoul [South Korea], February 21: Suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday appeared in a first preliminary hearing of a criminal trial on charges of insurrection and abuse of power, news agency Yonhap reported.
Yoon, 64, declared martial law in a shock address to the nation on the evening on December 3, in what appeared to be an attempt to crack down on his political opponents. The declaration was short lived, but plunged South Korea into political turmoil. The now-suspended president had initially barricaded himself inside his Seoul compound as he evaded arrest and questioning. He was eventually arrested in January.
Yoon is being accused of trying to instigate a sedition with his martial law declaration. If found guilty, he would face a long prison sentence.
Yonhap reported that Thursday's preliminary hearing in a Seoul court sought to clarify the main disputes of the case and plan future steps. Yoon's lawyers said they would declare their stance regarding the charges later as they were still reviewing all the material regarding the case. Yoon's legal representatives were expected to reject all charges as they have been doing in impeachment proceedings against Yoon, which are ongoing. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
