Court Sentences Former South Korean Interior Minister to 7 Years in Prison for Supporting Martial Law

On February 12, the Associated Press reported that the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Lee Sang-min, former South Korean Interior and Safety Minister, to 7 years in prison for assisting former President Yoon Suk Yeol in declaring temporary martial law in late 2024. The developments occurred one week before the court will decide if Yoon's actions constitute an attempted coup, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Lee was found guilty of helping implement the martial law declaration, forwarding Yoon's orders to police and fire commanders to cut water and electricity to news outlets criticizing Yoon's policies. However, the orders were not executed as the martial law was cancelled after legislative members broke through military and police blockades and unanimously voted to lift it. Lee denied receiving or issuing orders to cut utilities to news organizations, disputing testimonies from other officials. Judge Ryu Kyung-jin stated that testimony, CCTV footage, and other evidence clearly showed Lee attempted to follow Yoon's orders and played a significant role in enforcing martial law.