(Adnkronos) – A Seoul court has sentenced former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his involvement in the failed attempt to impose martial law in the country in December 2024. The sentence is much harsher than the prosecution’s request, which had sought 15 years in prison. The defendant “failed until the end in his duty and responsibility as prime minister” by not opposing the decree with which conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol had suspended civil power with “the aim of overthrowing the constitutional order” in South Korea, stated Judge Lee Jin-gwan of the Seoul Central District Court in his ruling.
Han Duck-soo, 76, was President Yoon’s prime minister when the latter shocked South Koreans on the evening of December 3, 2024, by surprisingly announcing the establishment of martial law and sending the army to Parliament to silence it. Yoon backed down a few hours later, when a sufficient number of deputies managed to enter the chamber surrounded by soldiers to vote for the suspension of his decree. Tried for “insurrection,” the former head of state saw the prosecution request the death penalty against him. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on February 19.
