The first trial verdict for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was indicted on charges of aiding the leader of an insurrection, will be delivered on the 21st. It is the first court ruling on a Cabinet member indicted on charges related to insurrection. Prosecutors previously sought a 15-year prison term for the former prime minister during closing arguments last year.
According to legal sources on the 18th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 33 (Presiding Judge Lee Jin-gwan) will hold the sentencing hearing for the former prime minister, who faces charges including aiding the leader of an insurrection, starting at 2 p.m. on the 21st.
The former prime minister is accused of abetting the unlawful declaration of martial law by failing to fulfill the duties of the vice chair of the Cabinet, a position that can check and control the president's arbitrary exercise of power in advance.
Legal circles expect the judiciary's first determination that day on whether the Dec. 3 martial law constituted an act of insurrection aimed at subverting the constitutional order. However, the court may reserve judgment on whether insurrection was established and rule only on the former prime minister's involvement as to guilt or innocence.
On Nov. 26 last year, the special counsel sought a 15-year prison sentence for the former prime minister during closing arguments. The special counsel said, "As the No. 2 figure in the executive branch and as prime minister, he was effectively the only person who could stop the insurrection, but he abandoned his duty to serve the entire public and, through a series of actions before and after the declaration of martial law, participated in the insurrection."
By contrast, the former prime minister argued that he tried to stop former President Yoon Suk-yeol during the martial law. He added, "I failed to stop the martial law, but I never supported it or tried to help it. That is the most honest, final confession I can offer."
Ahead of the sentencing date, on the 19th the first preparatory hearing will also be held for the former prime minister's case on abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights. This case is also assigned to Criminal Division 33. The former prime minister is accused of not appointing the Constitutional Court justice candidates recommended by the National Assembly after the impeachment motion against former President Yoon Suk-yeol.