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| ▲ This file photo, taken July 9, 2025, shows former President Yoon Suk Yeol arriving at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul for a hearing on whether to issue a warrant for his arrest. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) |
ex-president-trial
Ex-President Yoon absent from insurrection trial for 8th straight session
By Chae Yun-hwan
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was absent from his insurrection trial for the eighth consecutive session Monday, prompting the court to proceed without him.
Yoon has declined to appear at the trial at the Seoul Central District Court since his second arrest on July 10 on charges related to his failed attempt to impose martial law, citing health issues.
The bench said Monday it would continue with the proceedings in his absence, noting that the Seoul Detention Center where Yoon is held reported it was impossible to bring him in by force.
Yoon has been standing trial on charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through his failed martial law bid in December.
Insurrection carries a maximum sentence of life in prison or death.
During Monday's hearing, the court is scheduled to hear witness testimony from an official at the Defense Counterintelligence Command, which was involved in martial law operations.
Under the Criminal Procedure Code, a trial can proceed in the absence of the defendant in the event he refuses to attend without legitimate grounds and it is deemed impossible or significantly difficult for a prison officer to bring him in by force.
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