Yoon Absent from Rebellion Trial for 5 Consecutive Times... Yoon's Side "Will Attend When Health Recovers"

[Financial News] Former President Yoon Seok-yeol has been absent from the rebellion charge trial for five consecutive times due to health deterioration. The court is proceeding with the 'in absentia trial' without former President Yoon, but Yoon's side has stated that he will attend once his health recovers.
Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Gui-yeon) held the 14th trial on the charges of rebellion leader against former President Yoon on the 18th.
The court stated, "(Former President Yoon) refuses to attend, so we will proceed with the trial in absentia." Former President Yoon has not appeared in court for five trials since being re-arrested on the 10th of last month.
Previously, the court received a report from Seoul Detention Center during the trial on the 11th, stating that "forced escort is significantly difficult," and decided to proceed with the trial in absentia from that day. Article 277 of the Criminal Procedure Act allows the trial to proceed without the presence of the detained defendant if the escort by prison officers is impossible. The defendant must bear the disadvantages that may arise during the witness examination process due to the in absentia trial.
Yoon's side explained that it is difficult for him to attend court due to health issues. Before the trial, the defense team responded to the media's question, "Will he continue not to attend the trial in the future?" by saying, "He will attend when his health recovers." However, they did not mention specific health conditions or treatment plans.
Former President Yoon received ophthalmology treatment at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, on the 13th and 14th. The defense team claims that he is at risk of blindness due to not receiving treatment for diabetic retinopathy for three months.
In response, the Ministry of Justice announced through a press release on the 16th, "Seoul Detention Center conducted a health check for new inmates after former President Yoon's admission and confirmed his condition, providing appropriate medical treatment to ensure his health rights," and refuted, "It is hard to see that his health condition, including eye disease, is very poor as some claims suggest."


scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter