On Thursday, March 30, former President Donald Trump became the first ex-president in American history to be indicted on criminal charges. While the development marked an unprecedented moment in U.S. politics, it joins the reality of other countries around the world which have seen their former leaders indicted or jailed for various charges over the past 20 years.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been indicted in 2019 on several corruption charges that he denies. Two of his predecessors have also been imprisoned. Despite his ongoing trial, Netanyahu returned to power last year getting reelected for a record fifth time in November.
Park Geun-hye
In South Korea, former President Park Geun-hye was indicted in 2016 and sentenced to 24 years in prison after a short trial. She was later pardoned after serving just five years. She is one of two South Korean presidents to serve time.
Najib Razak
In Malaysia, former Prime Minister Najib Razak was found guilty in 2020 and imprisoned in 2022 over the infamous multi-billion dollar IMDB scandal. In March 2023, he failed to get his conviction overturned and will continue to serve his 12-year sentence.
Leaders in Taiwan, Italy and Pakistan have also faced legal issues. At least 76 countries around the world have had ex-leaders either jailed or prosecuted since 2000, according to Axios.
Former President Trump calls his recent indictment part of the “greatest witch hunt in history” and maintains that he is innocent. According to The Associated Press, the exact nature of the charges was unclear Friday, March 31, because the indictment remained under seal. Court officials said Trump is set to be arraigned Tuesday, April 4.
