Rights watchdog scraps recommendation on Yoon's right to defense, plans apology

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has decided to withdraw its previous recommendation urging former President Yoon Suk Yeol to have his right to defense guaranteed during his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court. The commission revised and approved the motion that called for the repeal of its earlier recommendation and a public apology for issuing it.

Ahn Chang-ho, who chairs the commission and was appointed by Yoon, abstained from the vote. The commission faced criticism in February 2025 after adopting the recommendation amid growing calls from Yoon's supporters for a fair trial in light of his controversial martial law declaration on December 3, 2024.

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