SEOUL, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A South Korean court sentenced former prime minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison on Wednesday for aiding and abetting a declaration of martial law that briefly suspended civilian rule. Judge Lee said the martial law decree -- declared by Han's boss Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024 -- was intended with the "aim of subverting the constitutional order" and amounted to insurrection. Yoon's stunning imposition of martial law saw armed troops deployed to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission before it was vetoed by the opposition?led parliament. Han is one of many former officials -- including Yoon -- who have stood trial over their roles in the martial law attempt. During the course of the trial, Han denied wrongdoing, insisting he had never supported or helped the martial law declaration.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 21, 2026 06:42 UTC