The court said Yoon’s martial law had been carried out as a “top-down insurrection” and could be understood as a “palace coup”.
Despite the unconstitutional elements of the move, not only did Han choose not to oppose it but decided to partake in it, the judge said.
“The defendant … bore a duty as prime minister to comply with the Constitution and laws and to make every effort to uphold and realise the Constitution,” he said.
“Nevertheless, believing that the Dec 3 insurrection might succeed, he ultimately turned his back on these duties and responsibilities and chose to take part in it.”
Han was also convicted of perjury.
The Wednesday verdict comes after former president Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing justice and other crimes linked to his martial law move.
He is also facing a verdict over his central role as the ringleader of the insurrection in the decree for which prosecutors are calling for the death penalty.
The Seoul Central District Court – presided over by a different judge from Han’s trial – will deliver its ruling on Feb 19.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/south-korea-martial-law-ex-pm-han-duck-soo-jail-5872996
