Former South Korean president faces possible jail term

South Korea’s special prosecutor has requested a 10-year prison sentence for former president Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of attempting to obstruct his arrest following his failed bid to impose martial law.

Prosecutors allege that Yoon tried to block investigators seeking to detain him in January by barricading himself inside the presidential compound.

The sentencing request, made on Friday, marks the first time special prosecutors have sought a jail term in the multiple cases he faces.

In a video recording of the trial, a prosecutor said Yoon had abused his authority while in office.

“The defendant, who was supposed to safeguard the constitution and uphold the rule of law, abused his power and hurt the public,” the prosecutor said.

“He has not apologised or shown remorse to the public, but instead tried to shift blame to his aides,” the prosecutor added.

Beyond the obstruction charge, prosecutors said Yoon failed to follow proper procedures before declaring martial law, including not convening all cabinet members. They also accused him of spreading false information to foreign media.

The Seoul Central District Court is expected to deliver a verdict on 16 January, according to local media.

Yoon, 65, is also standing trial separately on insurrection charges, which carry a possible sentence of life imprisonment or, in rare cases, the death penalty if he is convicted.

Meanwhile, a separate special prosecutor investigating allegations against Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, indicted the former president on Friday for allegedly violating the Public Official Election Act in connection with a separate case involving bribery and stock manipulation.

Yoon has denied all charges against him.

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