Democratic Party: "Death Penalty Sought for Yoon Is a Common-Sense Conclusion... Judiciary Must Judge Criminals of History"

"No Tolerance in the Face of the Destruction of Constitutional Order"

On January 13, the Democratic Party of Korea stated that the special prosecutor's demand for the death penalty for former President Yoon Seokyeol in the rebellion case was "a stern judgment against the destruction of constitutional order and the minimum legal response."

Park Soo-hyun, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said, "The special prosecutor has requested the death penalty for Yoon Seokyeol, the leader of the rebellion," adding, "The special prosecutor’s demand for the death penalty is a declaration that the most severe responsibility prescribed by law will be imposed for acts that destroyed the constitutional order and attempted to overthrow the sovereignty of the people by force. It is a common-sense conclusion that meets the expectations of the public."

Chief Spokesperson Park also pointed out that the Criminal Act stipulates the statutory punishments for the leader of a rebellion as death, life imprisonment, or life penal servitude, stating, "This demonstrates how heinous and irredeemable a crime it is to threaten the existence of the state and devastate the lives of its people. The law itself proves the gravity of such high treason."

Former President Yoon Seokyeol is speaking while attending the continued trial on charges of leading a rebellion at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News

He also called for the judiciary to deliver a stern judgment. He said, "This verdict is not only about judging the crimes of a former holder of power, but it is also the final test of whether Korean democracy can defend itself. The judiciary must make it clear that the magnitude of power does not lessen the weight of guilt, and that there can be no tolerance or exceptions in the face of the destruction of constitutional order."

He continued, "There should be no hesitation in delivering judgment against those who have sinned against history," adding, "The Democratic Party will closely watch to the end to ensure that the outcome of this trial results in justice that meets the expectations of the people."

Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader Jung Chungrae stated on social media, "Neither the court of history nor the court of law will ever forgive rebellion."