2026-02-19 08:23
publication
2026-02-19 08:23
Former president of South Korea Jun Suk Jeol was sentenced to life in prison by a court in Seoul on Thursday for leading the coup. The justice system found him guilty of attempting to paralyze the legislative power and violating the constitutional order by introducing martial law in December 2024.
Judge Dzi Gwi Jeon emphasized that the main goal of Jun's actions was to block the work of the National Assembly using armed forces. The former president was also found guilty of abuse of power.
Co-accused officials were also sentenced. Former Defense Minister Kim Jong Hjun was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in planning a coup. The court sentenced four other officers, including former police chiefs, who took part in the coup, to terms ranging from 3 to 18 years in prison. Two defendants were acquitted.
The announcement of the verdict was accompanied by extraordinary security measures and police presence. Hundreds of supporters of the former president gathered in front of the courthouse, shouting “Free President Jun” and waving Korean and US flags. Right-wing groups announced a rally for over 4,000 people here. people.
The verdict came 443 days after Jun imposed martial law on December 4, 2024. The verdict was announced in the same courtroom where another former leader, Chun Du Hwan, was sentenced to death in 1996. (PAP)
krp/ mal/
