South Korean appeals court increase jail of former president

A South Korean appeals court on Wednesday increased the jail term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges linked to his short-lived 2024 martial law declaration to seven years following appeals by Yoon and the prosecution.



A lower court sentenced Yoon to five years in prison in January after clearing him of some of the charges, but the appeals court found Yoon guilty of more charges, including mobilising the presidential security service to prevent authorities from arresting him.



"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," the Seoul High Court judge said.



The 65-year-old former prosecutor, who was impeached and removed from office last year, was also found guilty of charges that included fabricating official documents and failing to follow the legal process required for martial law, which has to be discussed at a formal cabinet meeting.



The decision, the first by a special court division set up to handle cases linked to the martial law bid, was televised.



Prosecutors were seeking a 10-year prison term, accusing Yoon of betraying public trust, undermining the constitutional order and using state resources to privatise public power.