Republic of Korea's special counsel seeks 15-year prison term for ex-PM on insurrection aid charge

The Republic of Korea's special counsel on Wednesday sought a 15-year prison term for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on charges of aiding and abetting the insurrection of former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The team of Cho Eun-suk, independent counsel leading the investigation into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 15-year jail sentence for Han on charges of aiding the insurrection leader, engaging in important tasks for the insurrection, and perjury, according to multiple media outlets.

The special prosecutor team was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying Han attempted to secure the legitimacy of martial law, committed crimes of judicial obstruction by falsifying official documents, and remained uncooperative by retracting his statements.

Despite being the only person who could prevent the insurrection, Han neglected his duty and participated in the insurrection through a series of actions before and after the martial law declaration, the team noted.

The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon on April 4 over his botched martial law bid last December, officially removing him from office.

The ousted leader was indicted under detention on January 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection.