A South Korean court on Thursday sentenced former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to seven years in prison for his involvement in the country’s 2024 martial law crisis.
The crisis erupted in December 2024 when then-President Yoon abruptly declared military rule, sending armed troops to the National Assembly in Seoul and suspending civilian governance.
The Seoul Central District Court held that Lee had directed authorities to cut electricity to media outlets critical of Yoon’s administration.
“Acts of insurrection strike at the heart of democratic values and merit strict punishment,” the judges said in a televised ruling.
The court explained that by instructing the National Fire Agency to assist in cutting power and water supplies to news organisations, Lee participated in actions that amounted to insurrection.
He was also convicted of perjury for denying his involvement in previous court proceedings.
Lee, 65, was impeached and removed from office in April last year following the crisis.
Meanwhile, Yoon is scheduled to appear in court on February 19, facing insurrection charges that could carry the death penalty.
