NewKerala.com

Key Points

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has filed a constitutional petition challenging the special probe bill into his insurrection charges. He has missed eight consecutive court sessions citing health issues since his July arrest. The court continues proceedings without him as detention officials cannot forcibly bring him to trial. The insurrection case may merge with related trials of former officials involved in the martial law attempt.

Key Points: Ex-President Yoon Files Constitutional Petition Over Insurrection Probe

  • Yoon claims health issues prevent court attendance since July 10 arrest
  • Special probe bill faces constitutional challenge over legality concerns
  • Trial proceeds without Yoon as detention center cannot force attendance
  • Cases may merge with former Defence Minister and Police Chief trials
2 min read

South Korea's ex-President Yoon to file constitutional petition over special probe bill into insurrection charge

South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol challenges special probe bill constitutionality while absent from 8th insurrection trial session facing life imprisonment charges.

"The three cases are currently taking place separately, but they share key issues and evidence - Judge Jee Kui-youn"

Seoul, Sep 8

South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Monday, filed a constitutional petition over a special probe bill into his insurrection charges, claiming the bill is unconstitutional as he was absent from his insurrection trial for the eighth consecutive session, prompting the court to proceed without him.

Separately, Yoon's lawyers demanded a court file for a constitutional review of the legality of the special probe bill, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon has declined to appear at the trial at the Seoul Central District Court since his second arrest on July 10 on charges related to his failed attempt to impose martial law, citing health issues.

The bench said on Monday that it would continue with the proceedings in his absence, noting that the Seoul Detention Centre where Yoon is held reported it was impossible to bring him in by force.

Yoon has been standing trial on charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through his failed martial law bid in December.

Insurrection carries a maximum sentence of life in prison or death.

Meanwhile, the bench said it plans to conclude the trial's proceedings by December, noting that it is expected to be merged with the insurrection trials of former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Police Chief Cho Ji-ho, who were both involved in Yoon's martial law imposition.

"The three cases are currently taking place separately, but they share key issues and evidence," Judge Jee Kui-youn said, adding that they are expected to be merged, with proceedings to end as a single case.

The remarks come as some critics have taken issue with the speed of Yoon's trial due to the number of witnesses selected.

During Monday's hearing, the court was set to hear witness testimony from an official at the Defence Counterintelligence Command, which was involved in martial law operations.

Under the Criminal Procedure Code, a trial can proceed in the absence of the defendant in the event he refuses to attend without legitimate grounds and it is deemed impossible or significantly difficult for a prison officer to bring him in by force.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Health issues for 8 consecutive sessions? Sounds familiar to what some of our politicians try here. If the detention center says they can't bring him by force, maybe he's genuinely unwell. Due process should be followed properly.
R
Rohit P
Attempting martial law? That's serious! In our democracy, such actions would be completely unacceptable. South Korea's judicial system seems to be handling this well by proceeding without him. Justice delayed is justice denied.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how different countries handle high-profile political cases. The merger of three related cases makes sense for efficiency. Hope they reach a fair conclusion by December as planned.
V
Vikram M
Maximum sentence of life or death for insurrection? That's quite severe. While accountability is important, I hope the trial remains fair and doesn't become politically motivated. Every accused deserves a proper defense.
M
Michael C
The constitutional petition seems like a legitimate legal avenue though. Even if it appears as a delay tactic, every citizen (including former presidents) should have access to all legal remedies available to them.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50