Special counsel seeks 15 years / KBS 2026.01.12.

Описание: [Anchor]

The special counsel has sought a 15-year prison sentence for former Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min, who is accused of participating in an insurrection.

Lee denied the charges, saying he only tried to dissuade the declaration of martial law, and even showed tears.

Reporter Jung Hae-joo has the details.

[Report]

Former Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min, who is accused of relaying orders to cut off electricity and water to media outlets during the Dec. 3 emergency martial law.

The special counsel investigating the insurrection sought 15 years in prison for Lee.

The special counsel team described the martial law as a “self-coup,” saying Lee’s role was “critically important.”

They argued that Lee took part in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s plan to silence critical media by cutting off utilities, manipulate public opinion through pro-government outlets, and entrench long-term rule.

The special counsel particularly emphasized Lee’s motive.

They said Lee “could not have been unaware that this was a serious crime that could lead to grave loss of life,” adding that he “abandoned his duty as interior minister in pursuit of the supreme power that would follow the success of martial law.”

In explaining why a heavy sentence is necessary, the special counsel cited the special pardons granted to former Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, warning that “failure to severely punish top-level participants in an insurrection could once again encourage an anachronistic coup.”

In his final statement, Lee broke down in tears, expressing remorse but denying the charges.

He said that “as a high school junior to the president, I lived under constant scrutiny and criticism and never let my guard down,” adding that “in a shocking and chaotic situation, I merely tried to dissuade the declaration of martial law and had no capacity to consider the subsequent measures.”

Earlier, the special counsel also sought 15 years in prison for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on insurrection charges.

Han is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 21, while Lee’s first-instance verdict is set for Feb. 12.

This is KBS News, Jung Hae-joo reporting.

▣ KBS 기사 원문보기 : http://news.kbs.co.kr/news/view.do?nc...

▣ 제보 하기
◇ 카카오톡 : 'KBS제보' 검색
◇ 전화 : 02-781-1234
◇ 홈페이지 : https://goo.gl/4bWbkG
◇ 이메일 : [email protected]

Copyright ⓒ KBS. All rights reserved. 무단 전재, 재배포 및 이용(AI 학습 포함) 금지