Post by : Rameen Ariff

A special prosecutor in South Korea has asked for a 15-year prison sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, accusing him of helping former President Yoon Suk Yeol in an alleged attempt to declare illegal martial law last December. The request was made on Wednesday in Seoul, marking one of the most high-profile cases connected to the political crisis that shook the country last year.

According to prosecutors, Han supported Yoon’s plan to impose emergency martial law, which they describe as an act of “insurrection.” They argue that Han, as prime minister and the second-highest authority in government, had a duty to prevent any misuse of presidential power. Instead, they claim he allowed the plan to move forward.

Prosecutors said the punishment must be severe to ensure that “such an unfortunate history is never repeated.” A final ruling in Han’s case is expected early next year. His trial is being closely watched, as it could influence Yoon’s ongoing trial and other upcoming cases involving former officials.

Han, who is 76 and has served under five different presidents, has denied most of the charges. He says he did not know the full plan for martial law and claims he opposed it internally, warning that it would damage South Korea’s economy and international trust. He has only admitted to a perjury charge.

Han briefly served as acting president after Yoon was impeached. Later, he was also impeached over allegations that he helped Yoon in the martial law move. However, South Korea’s Constitutional Court overturned Han’s impeachment, restoring him to office. He later resigned to run in a snap election, but eventually dropped out due to disagreements within conservative groups.

Meanwhile, former President Yoon is undergoing his own trial. He faces serious charges, including acting as the “ringleader of an insurrection,” and could receive a life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted. Although South Korea still has capital punishment legally, the country has not carried out an execution since 1997.

The case continues to draw national attention as South Korea faces one of its most significant political and legal crises in years.

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