Final hearing underway for impeached president's insurrection charge

SEOUL, January 9 (AJP) - The final hearing in disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's trial over charges of insurrection and abuse of power is underway in southern Seoul on Thursday, with attention focused on the sentence prosecutors are expected to seek.

The hearing for Yoon's botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year began at the Seoul Central District Court around 9:20 a.m.

It is set to be followed by related cases involving seven other officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and former chief of National Police Agency Cho Ji-ho.

When it comes to the insurrection charge, one of Yoon's multiple charges related to the debacle, there are only two possible penalties: death or life imprisonment, with or without forced labor.

With the country having not carried out the death penalty since 1997, many anticipate prosecutors will request a life sentence.

After hearing final statements from all parties including prosecutors and defendants throughout the day, the court is expected to deliver its verdict in early February.