Former President Yoon Suk-yeol has been absent from his trial for charges including insurrection leader for the seventh consecutive time. It has been reported that the Seoul Detention Center, where the former president is being held, is still unable to bring him to court.
At 10:15 a.m. on the 1st, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Director General Ji Gwi-yeon) will hold a trial for former President Yoon on the charges of being an insurrection leader and obstructing the exercise of authority in absentia. An in absentia trial is one conducted when the defendant is not present.
The court said, "The defendant voluntarily did not appear today as well," adding, "Last time, the warden stated, 'It is impossible to bring him by force,' and it appears that nothing has changed regarding this situation, so we will proceed with this session in absentia as well."
Since being detained on the 10th of last month, former President Yoon has been continuously absent from court due to health deterioration. He was absent from court on July 10, 17, and 24, as well as on July 11, 18, and 29. Adding today's absence makes it a total of seven consecutive times.
Former President Yoon has been additionally indicted on charges of obstructing special public duties and forging public documents. The first trial for this case is scheduled to take place on September 26, and he is expected to be absent from this trial as well.
Meanwhile, according to Article 277-2 of the Criminal Procedure Act, if a detained defendant refuses to attend without a valid reason and it is recognized that bringing him by force is impossible or exceedingly difficult, the trial proceedings can continue without the defendant's presence. The trial for former President Park Geun-hye regarding the state affairs scandal was also held in absentia.