Seoul, Jan 16 (V7N) — A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former President Yoon Suk-yeol to five years in prison in connection with his attempt to obstruct the execution of an arrest warrant following a failed bid to impose martial law.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Yoon was guilty of interfering with law enforcement authorities who sought to execute an arrest warrant related to the declaration of martial law in December 2024. The court stated that the prosecution had successfully proven the charges against the former president.

In its verdict, the court also found Yoon guilty of forging government documents and bypassing mandatory legal procedures required for declaring martial law. The judges noted that the actions seriously undermined constitutional order and the rule of law.

This marks the first judicial verdict against Yoon Suk-yeol since he was removed from office following widespread political backlash over the attempted imposition of emergency rule.

Under South Korean law, Yoon retains the right to appeal the verdict to a higher court.

The case has drawn significant public and political attention, as it represents one of the most serious legal actions ever taken against a former South Korean president in recent history.

END/SMA/AJ