This photo, provided by Yonhap News TV, shows the Supreme Court. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — The Supreme Court said Thursday it would install a dedicated tribunal to handle charges of insurrection, treason and mutiny amid the ruling party’s push to create a special bench for insurrection cases stemming from former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed imposition of martial law.
The announcement comes as the ruling Democratic Party (DP) has been pushing for a bill to establish the special insurrection tribunal despite criticism it could be unconstitutional, citing perceived delays and unfairness in the trials of those implicated in the martial law case.
Earlier in the day, the DP said it would introduce the bill at the National Assembly next Tuesday, with a vote expected to take place the next day.
The National Court Administration (NCA) under the Supreme Court said it decided to establish guidelines for the new tribunal that would handle cases of insurrection, treason and rebellion under military law in consideration of their national importance and urgency.
“The guidelines are designed to resolve concerns from the people and the National Assembly on the swift and fair proceedings of trials of national importance,” an NCA official said.
They will take effect after an administrative notice period of at least 10 days.
The move comes after representative judges of courts nationwide raised concern earlier this month over the DP-led bill, saying the move could undermine the independence of the judicial system.
(Yonhap)
