Fmr. President Yoon denies insurrection charges at first criminal trial hearing

The first hearing in the criminal trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol took place at a local court today, where there was an exchange of arguments between him and prosecutors.

The former leader appeared before the court ten days after he was removed from office.

Shin Ha-young reports.

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol denied charges of insurrection at the first hearing of his criminal trial on Monday.

During the hearing, prosecutors pointed to Yoon's actions leading up to his martial law declaration, claiming he aimed to "undermine the constitutional order" to foment a coup.

Yoon pushed back, claiming the martial law declaration was intended as a peaceful message to the public, and "not a coup d'état."

His legal team asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the indictment was unlawful.

It brought up the issue of the detention period, stating the indictment was filed after it had expired.

Two key witnesses, including Cho Sung-hyun from the army's capital defense command, testified at the hearing.

Cho said he was ordered to send troops to remove lawmakers from the National Assembly on the night of the martial law order, repeating his earlier testimony given at the Constitutional Court in February.

Yoon arrived at the Seoul Central District Court on Monday morning, as he is required to attend the trial in person.

This comes 10 days after he was removed from office.

The court did not allow media filming in the courtroom, explaining that the request came in too late for the appropriate judicial procedures to be followed.

However, it added that if the request is submitted again for the next hearing, the court would review it.

To convict Yoon of insurrection, prosecutors must prove that he intentionally tried to undermine the constitutional order by using the military.

If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

The next hearing is scheduled for next Monday.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.