A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison on charges including obstructing attempts to arrest him following his failed bid to impose martial law. The ruling marks a dramatic fall for the former leader, whose December 2024 declaration of martial law triggered a national crisis, mass protests, and swift political backlash.

Prosecutors argued that Yoon deliberately interfered with law enforcement efforts after the Constitutional Court ruled his martial law decree unconstitutional. The court agreed, finding that his actions undermined the rule of law and posed a serious threat to South Korea’s democratic order. Yoon had already been impeached, removed from office, and detained in connection with related charges, including abuse of power and insurrection.

The verdict underscores South Korea’s strict stance on constitutional violations by senior officials and reinforces the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic institutions. Yoon’s legal team is expected to appeal the sentence.