Former South Korean defense minister indicted for role in failed martial law bid

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has been indicted for his role in the failed martial law bid of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol last December, the independent counsel investigating the attempt said Thursday.

Kim was indicted on charges including obstruction of official duties, Yonhap News Agency reported.

He was also indicted on charges of abetting the destruction of evidence in connection with the Dec. 3 imposition of martial law.

Kim has been under arrest since Dec. 27 and is standing trial on charges of insurrection for recommending martial law to Yoon and drafting the decree.

The additional indictments came two days after he appealed a conditional bail granted by a Seoul court in an apparent bid to win unconditional release when his six-month arrest expires on June 26.

Usually, bail is sought by the accused. But in Kim's case, it was requested by the prosecution, apparently to avert his unconditional release.

Yoon, who was removed from office by the Constitutional Court in April after being impeached for his attempt to impose martial law, is also standing trial for insurrection.

*Writing by Aamir Latif