Seoul: A South Korean court has sentenced former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to seven years in prison for his involvement in supporting former President Yoon Seok-yeol's failed attempt to declare martial law nationwide in December 2024. The Seoul District Court ruled that 61-year-old Lee was guilty of participating in a sedition by broadcasting orders to police and fire departments to cut off electricity and water to media outlets. Additionally, the judge found Lee guilty of perjury for denying the actions during the impeachment process against Yoon.
According to Thai News Agency, the judge stated in his ruling that the use of violence against offices of media outlets critical of the government undermined public resistance to the rebellion, thus facilitating the implementation of such plans. Last month, a special prosecutor proposed sentencing Mr. Yi to 15 years in prison, citing his key role in facilitating the rebellion. However, Mr. Yi has denied all charges.
Mr. Lee has been detained since August last year after a court approved an arrest warrant. He is the second cabinet member of Prime Minister Yoon's government to be sentenced to prison for declaring martial law, following former Prime Minister Han Deok-su, who was sentenced to 23 years in prison last January.