Appeals court increases ex-spy chief's sentence to 2 1/2 years in martial law-linked trial
An appeals court on Wednesday increased former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong's sentence to 2 1/2 years in prison on charges linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law bid. The Seoul High Court handed down the sentence after finding Cho guilty of engaging in political activities by making false statements that Yoon had not ordered the arrest of…
On Wednesday, an appeals court in South Korea increased former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong's sentence to 2.5 years in prison on charges related to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law attempt. The Seoul High Court found Cho guilty of engaging in political activities by falsely stating that Yoon had not ordered the arrest of politicians, following his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024.
The National Intelligence Service Act prohibits agency personnel from participating in political activities. Initially, a lower court sentenced Cho to 18 months in prison for perjury but acquitted him of most other charges, including dereliction of duty for failing to inform the National Assembly about Yoon's plan to arrest politicians during martial law.
The appellate court also cleared him of the dereliction of duty charge, stating it was uncertain whether Cho needed to notify the National Assembly once he became aware of the plan.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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