Nine-Year Sentence in Second Trial for 'Martial Law Involvement'... Lee Sangmin and Special Prosecutor File Appeals

First Trial: 7 Years in Prison
Second Trial: 9 Years in Prison
Most Charges of Insurrection Found Guilty

Former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sangmin is attending the appeal trial sentencing hearing held on the 12th at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu and listening to the verdict. Provided by Seoul High Court.

Former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sangmin, who was sentenced to nine years in prison in the second trial for his involvement in the December 3 Martial Law, has filed an appeal. The special prosecutor's team led by Cho Eunseok, which is investigating the rebellion, has also decided to seek a Supreme Court ruling by challenging the appellate court's decision.

On the 18th, both the special prosecutor's team and Lee's legal representatives each submitted their appeals to the Criminal Division 1 (Presiding Judge Yoon Seongsik), which is dedicated to rebellion cases at the Seoul High Court.

On the 12th, the appellate court found Lee guilty of participating in key insurrection-related tasks. The court ruled that on December 3, 2024, Lee, then Minister, received orders from former President Yoon Suk Yeol to blockade the National Assembly and other major institutions and to cut off electricity and water supplies to media outlets. Lee then instructed the head of the National Fire Agency to "cooperate appropriately if contacted by the police," which the court interpreted as evidence of his involvement in the insurrection.

The court also found Lee guilty on most counts of perjury related to his testimony during President Yoon's Constitutional Court impeachment trial last February, particularly regarding documents ordering utility cutoffs. However, the court acquitted Lee of abuse of authority and obstruction of exercise of rights, determining that instructing former National Fire Agency Chief Heo Seokgon to prepare to respond immediately to police requests for utility cutoffs did not constitute forcing him to perform duties outside of his official responsibilities.

Nevertheless, the appellate court sentenced Lee to nine years in prison—two years longer than the seven-year sentence in the first trial—citing the gravity of his guilt and blameworthiness, especially considering his position at the time as the official responsible for public safety and disaster management during the declaration of martial law.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.