Special Prosecutor Indicts Yoon Early... "Neutralized Constitutional Martial Law Control Mechanisms"

Applied Charges Include Infringement of State Council Deliberation Rights; Foreign Exchange Allegations Excluded
Early Indictment Due to Lack of Investigative Effectiveness
Uncooperative Attitude to Be Reflected in Sentencing

On July 19, the special prosecutor team led by Cho Eunseok, which is investigating the '12·3 Martial Law' related insurrection and treason case, indicted former President Yoon Sukyeol on charges including abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights.

This is the third time that former President Yoon has been brought to trial. He was previously indicted by the special investigation headquarters of the prosecution in January on charges of leading an insurrection, and again in May on charges of abuse of authority. This latest indictment adds to those previous charges.

The special prosecutor team pointed out that former President Yoon undermined constitutional control mechanisms for the declaration of martial law by notifying only some cabinet members of the convocation of the State Council, thereby restricting their right to deliberate and decide. Other major charges include drafting the martial law proclamation after the fact, issuing false press releases, ordering the deletion of secure phone records, and obstructing the execution of arrest warrants.

At a briefing on the same day, Special Prosecutor Park Jiyoung stated, "This constitutes the neutralization of the prior control mechanisms stipulated in the Constitution," and added, "He abused presidential powers to interfere with the proper deliberation of martial law procedures."

After former President Yoon's arrest, the special prosecutor attempted to conduct a face-to-face interrogation, but was unsuccessful. Although former President Yoon pursued legal remedies, including a request for a review of his detention, these were dismissed. The special prosecutor concluded that further investigation was effectively impossible and decided to proceed with an early indictment without extending the detention period. Special Prosecutor Park said, "His uncooperative attitude during the investigation will be reflected in sentencing at trial."

The foreign exchange-related charges, which are a key focus of the investigation, were not included in this indictment. Former President Yoon maintained his right to remain silent throughout the investigation and was brought to trial without making any statements.