INTERNATIONAL — February 12, 2026
Former South Korean Interior Minister Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison
A Seoul court sentenced former South Korean Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to seven years in prison for his role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed December 2024 martial law attempt.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press — 2 min read
SEOUL (Afghan Verified) -- A Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday sentenced former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to seven years in prison for his involvement in a failed martial law bid in December 2024.
The 61-year-old was convicted of participating in an insurrection linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose military rule, according to Reuters. Prosecutors stated that Lee relayed orders to police and fire authorities to cut electricity and water supplies to media organizations during the crisis.
Special prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, contending that Lee played a key role in facilitating the attempted power grab. Lee has been in custody since August, following the court's approval of his arrest warrant amid the ongoing investigation.
He is the second former cabinet member convicted in connection with the martial law episode, which sparked political turmoil and widespread protests across South Korea.
Read the original reporting at Khaama Press →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct reporting of a court verdict with concrete, checkable details including named individuals (Lee Sang-min, Yoon Suk Yeol), specific court (Seoul Central District Court), sentence length, dates, and prosecutor statements; attributed via Reuters.
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International — South Korea, Lee Sang-min, Yoon Suk Yeol, martial law, Seoul Central District Court
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