Former South Korean Interior Minister Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison
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.
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