A South Korean appeals court on Wednesday increased the sentence of former President Yoon Suk Yeol from five years to seven years in a justice obstruction case. This is part of a series of trials following his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024.

In January, a lower court sentenced Yoon to five years in prison for abuse of power, including using presidential security agents to block his arrest. The appeals court upheld the initial convictions but overturned some acquittals. Prosecutors had sought a 10-year term.

In a separate trial, Yoon was sentenced to life in prison for leading an insurrection over abruptly imposing martial law in 2024. In December 2024, Yoon made a shock late-night televised address declaring the suspension of civilian rule. Martial law lasted about six hours as lawmakers rushed to vote it down in an emergency session.

The Seoul High Court judge stated: "In trying to stop authorities from executing an arrest warrant by use of force, Yoon committed acts that are unacceptable in a society of law and order." Yoon may appeal this sentence at the Supreme Court. His wife, former first lady Kim Keon Hee, also received an increased jail sentence earlier this week for corruption. Yoon faces eight trials and denies wrongdoing.

Source: www.dw.com