South Korea’s former interior minister was sentenced to 7 years in prison for aiding martial law
Seoul, South Korea — South Korea’s former interior minister was sentenced Thursday to seven years in prison for helping former President Yeon Suk-yul briefly declare martial law in 2024.
Lee Sang Min’s sentencing came a week before a different judge in the same Seoul court ruled on whether or not this was the case. Yun’s actions reached the level of rebellionIt is a crime for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
me who led The Interior and Safety Minister was found guilty of helping implement the announcement and passing Yoon’s orders to the country’s police and fire chiefs to cut off water and electricity to news organizations that criticized his policies. The instructions have not been implemented since then Martial law It was quickly lifted after lawmakers broke through a military and police blockade in front of the National Assembly and voted unanimously to lift it.
Lee denied receiving or issuing instructions to cut off facilities to news organizations, casting doubt on the testimony of other officials, including former National Fire Agency Commissioner-General Heo Seok-joon, who said Lee relayed such orders over the phone. Lee also denied conspiring or planning to declare martial law.
Judge Ryu Kyung-jin said the testimony of other officials, security camera footage and other evidence clearly showed that Lee tried to carry out Yoon’s orders and that it was undisputed that Lee played an important role in implementing martial law.
But the judge acquitted Lee of lesser charges of abusing his authority, citing a lack of evidence.
He smiled softly at me after the sentence. His legal team did not immediately clarify whether he would appeal. The prosecution had requested a 15-year prison sentence.
Lee is the second member of Yoon’s government convicted in connection with martial law. former Prime Minister Han Dak Su He was sentenced to 23 years in prison but appealed.
The conservative Yun has defended martial law as a necessary governance measure against liberals, whom he described as “anti-state” forces blocking his agenda with their legislative majority.
He was later removed from his position and has been in detention since July during his standoff multiple criminal trials, With the charge of rebellion carrying the harshest punishment.
