A Seoul court sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison, finding him guilty of aiding the enemy and abusing his power in connection with a drone incursion that greatly aggravated the political crisis in the country.
According to the court ruling, the former head of state allegedly authorized or supported drone operations amid heightened tensions with North Korea. The court interpreted these actions as exceeding legal bounds and contributing to a dangerous escalation.
Yoon's defense rejected these accusations, asserting that there had been no wrongdoing. His lawyers argued that the drone operations were a direct response to North Korean provocations and fell within the scope of national security.
The case is taking place within an already extremely tense political climate in South Korea. The imposition of martial law by Yoon Suk Yeol had triggered a major institutional crisis, causing deep divisions within the South Korean political class and society.
Prosecutors had sought severe penalties, arguing that the former president's decisions had jeopardized national stability and violated the limits of his constitutional powers. The court ultimately upheld several serious charges, including endangering state security.
The 30-year prison sentence is one of the harshest ever handed down to a former South Korean leader. It marks a major turning point in a case that continues to shake the country's political landscape.
Yoon's lawyers immediately announced their intention to appeal, suggesting further legal battles in a case that remains highly sensitive for South Korean institutions.
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