South Korea: former justice minister sentenced to 25 years for role in 2024 martial law declaration
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A South Korean court has sentenced former justice minister Park Sung-jae to 25 years in prison for his involvement in the brief martial law declaration by former president Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court found Park guilty of "insurrection." Prosecutors stated that Park held a meeting of justice ministry officials shortly after the declaration to assess prison capacity for potential arrests of anti-government figures. Presiding judge Lee Jin-gwan noted that Park, as justice minister, disregarded opinions raised during the meeting concerning the illegality of the December 3 insurrection. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence, arguing Park abused his power and challenged the rule of law. Park was taken into custody following the ruling. Former president Yoon Suk Yeol is currently appealing a life sentence for leading the insurrection and also received a 30-year term for sending drones to North Korea to create a national crisis. Other former officials, including former prime minister Han Duck-soo and former interior minister Lee Sang-min, have also received significant prison sentences related to the martial law incident.
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