South Korean ex-president sentenced to 30 years for sending drones to North

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in sending military drones into North Korea in 2024. Prosecutors alleged the operation was designed to provoke Pyongyang and establish a pretext for declaring martial law.

The 30-year sentence was confirmed by a Seoul court spokesperson. This latest conviction adds to Yoon's legal troubles; he is already serving a life sentence imposed in February for "insurrection," stemming from an attempt to impose martial law in December 2024 and deploy the military to the National Assembly.

Prosecutors contend that Yoon ordered drones loaded with propaganda leaflets to fly over Pyongyang in October 2024, aiming to trigger an armed incident that would justify martial law. They also argued the operation heightened tensions with Pyongyang and resulted in the leak of confidential information after the drones crashed in North Korean territory, according to Yonhap news agency.

Despite North Korea's measured response, warning of retaliation only if further drone incursions occurred, Yoon proceeded with his actions two months later. He justified this by citing vague threats from "anti-state forces" linked to North Korea and the opposition's refusal to pass his budget. However, a sufficient number of lawmakers managed to convene and vote against martial law, forcing Yoon to retract the declaration. The civilian regime was suspended for only six hours, but the attempt triggered a significant political crisis.

Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached in April 2025 and is currently incarcerated, has appealed his life sentence, asserting his actions were "for the sole good of the nation." His lawyers have denied the drone charges, stating there was "no prior order or subsequent approval" from Yoon for the operation. They further explained the drone flights were a response to North Korea's own actions of sending trash-laden balloons across the border that same year.

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une réponse à l’envoi la même année par la Corée du Nor