South Korea’s former president Yoon Seok-yeol will go on trial Monday on charges of sedition over his attempt to impose martial law last December.
Yoon declared martial law on Dec. 3, ordering a halt to political activities and censorship of the media. The martial law decree was cancelled six hours after it was passed.
The coup attempt led to Yoon’s swift impeachment by the National Assembly, and on 4 April the Constitutional Court finally removed him from the presidency.
Although Yun has lost all presidential powers, he still faces trial on sedition charges.
At a previous hearing in February, Yun’s lawyers argued that his detention was irregular and the court agreed. As a result, he was released 52 days after his arrest.
Yoon was detained in January during a dawn search after hiding from police and prosecutors for weeks. He became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.
If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The 64-year-old ex-leader left the presidential residence on Friday and returned to his private home in Seoul, where he was met by supporters.
Early presidential elections in South Korea are scheduled for 3 June. Prime Minister Han Dok-soo is the interim head of state.