South Korea: Prosecutors indict impeached Prez Yoon for being 'ringleader of an insurrection'

South Korean prosecutors on Sunday (January 26) indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of leading an insurrection after his failed attempt to impose martial law, ordering him to remain in detention.

Prosecutors said Yoon, who has been held at the Seoul Detention Center since his arrest earlier this month, was charged with being the “ringleader of an insurrection”. Notably, this charge is not protected by presidential immunity.

“After a comprehensive review of evidence obtained during investigations (prosecutors) concluded that it was only appropriate to indict the defendant,” their statement said. The decision to keep Yoon in detention was justified by the “continued risk of evidence destruction,” they added.

Under South Korean law, Yoon’s trial must begin within six months.

South Korea’s political turmoil

The indictment follows weeks of political turmoil triggered by Yoon’s December 3 declaration of martial law, which was overturned within six hours when lawmakers defied armed soldiers in parliament to reject the move.

Yoon was impeached shortly after, though he remains the sitting president of the country.

After that, a tense standoff at Yoon’s residence followed, where his personal security detail resisted attempts to detain him. He was arrested, though, and became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.

Where Yoon, his supporters stand

Yoon’s lawyers denied the charges and pledged to challenge the indictment. “Yoon’s declaration of martial law cannot be recognised as insurrection,” they said in a statement.

Yoon, who has vowed to “fight to the end,” has gained support from loyal followers who have adopted rhetoric resembling the “stop the steal” movement associated with US President Donald Trump.

In addition to his criminal trial, Yoon faces Constitutional Court hearings to determine whether his impeachment will be upheld and he will be formally removed from office. If the court rules against him, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.

Opposition celebrates indictment

Opposition leaders welcomed the indictment, calling it a victory for democratic order.

“This indictment will provide a sense of relief, reaffirming that the constitutional order is functioning as it should,” said Bae Kang-hoon, co-founder of the political think tank Valid.

With inputs from agencies