SEOUL: Disgraced South Korean ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted for abuse of power on Saturday over his declaration of martial law last year, as investigators widened an insurrection probe. Last week, Yoon was detained again after an arrest warrant was issued over concerns he might destroy evidence in the case.
The prosecution "indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges including abuse of power and obstruction of special official duties", prosecutor Park Ji-young told reporters on Saturday. Park said Yoon also did not follow the required procedure to declare martial law, including holding a meeting with all cabinet members of the government.
Yoon was also charged with "drafting and discarding a false document" that stated the prime minister and defence minister had endorsed martial law. Yoon has refused to attend questioning since he was detained, but appeared in court on Friday at a hearing to argue for his warrant to be cancelled.
The ex-president's legal team told reporters that Yoon defended himself for over 30 minutes, and mentioned his "limited physical mobility and the challenges he was facing". The court denied the request. — AFP
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