Prosecutors in the Republic of Korea (ROK) are expected to call on Tuesday for either life in prison or the death penalty for former president Yoon Suk-yeol, accused of leading an insurrection when he declared martial law over a year ago.

Yoon triggered a political crisis when he announced an end to civilian rule in December 2024 and sent troops to parliament to enforce it.

But his attempt failed, and he became the country's first sitting president to be taken into custody when he was detained last January.

Yoon's criminal trial for insurrection, abuse of power and other offenses linked to the declaration draws to a close on Tuesday.

Under ROK law, prosecutors must ask the judge for a sentence of either death or life imprisonment for the crime of insurrection.

Yoon's defense team, meanwhile, has made theatrical arguments in a bid to help him and his alleged accomplices.

On Tuesday they compared the disgraced former leader to great historic figures like Italian scholars Galileo Galilei and Giordano Bruno, who were wrongfully condemned.

"The majority does not always reveal the truth," they said.

If found guilty, Yoon will become the third ROK president convicted for insurrection.