S. Korean leader’s legal team says Yoon ‘did not commit insurrection’

Yoon Suk Yeol’s legal team claimed Thursday that his dramatic declaration of martial law this month did not constitute insurrection on behalf of the impeached president of South Korea.

Following his brief imposition of martial law on December 3, which sent South Korea into its worst political unrest in decades, Yoon was removed from office by parliament in an impeachment vote over the weekend.

The Constitutional Court has roughly six months to determine whether to sustain Yoon’s impeachment, having started procedures against him on Monday.

A combined team of police, defense ministry, and anti-corruption detectives is also looking into Yoon.

“Where in the world does a leader declare an insurrection during a live press conference?” Seok Dong-hyeon, a spokesman for Yoon’s legal team, told a media briefing in Seoul.

Yoon made his martial law declaration in a live television announcement, although it was voted down by lawmakers several hours later.

“Where can you find an insurrection that ends within two or three hours because the National Assembly told them to stop martial law?” said Seok.

To vote against Yoon’s proclamation of martial law, South Korean MPs pushed their way through lines of soldiers into parliament.

The South Korean city has subsequently been rocked by large-scale demonstrations against the ousted leader and smaller rallies in his favor.

If found guilty, Yoon and a few members of his inner circle might be sentenced to life in prison or even the death penalty. He is still prohibited from traveling.

According to Seok, Yoon is still “clear and confident” about pursuing his legal defense.

The Corruption Investigation Office reported that Yoon was asked to testify before South Korea’s corruption watchdog on Wednesday but did not show up.

The Constitutional Court also ordered Yoon on Wednesday to submit his martial law decree, as well as records of cabinet meetings he held immediately before and after the announcement.

It has set a preliminary hearing for December 27, although Yoon is not required to attend.