Ex-Minister Lee Sang-min Gets 9 Years in Appeal for Media Shutdowns During Martial Law

The appellate court's decision to increase former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min's sentence to nine years for his involvement in the 12.3 martial law incident marks a significant moment in South Korea's ongoing reckoning with its authoritarian past. The ruling, which found Lee guilty of participating in a rebellion by ordering the shutdown of electricity and water to critical media outlets, including the Hankyoreh, underscores the judiciary's commitment to holding accountable those who sought to suppress dissent during a turbulent period in the nation's history.

Lee's conviction for ordering these physical blockades, which aimed to silence voices critical of the then-government, highlights the lengths to which authorities went to control information. The additional charge of perjury, stemming from his false testimony during a previous impeachment trial where he denied issuing such orders, further compounds his offenses. This dual conviction sends a clear message that attempts to obstruct justice and rewrite history will not be tolerated.

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Lee Sang-min was found guilty of participating in a rebellion by ordering the shutdown of electricity and water to media outlets critical of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

The increase in his sentence from the initial seven years reflects the appellate court's stronger stance on the severity of his actions. The court recognized his role in a rebellion by relaying orders from then-President Yoon Suk-yeol, which were then passed down to the head of the Fire Department. This detailed chain of command illustrates the deliberate nature of the plan to suppress media freedom.

For publications like the Hankyoreh, which were directly targeted by these actions, the verdict is a vindication. It reaffirms the importance of a free press, even in times of political upheaval. The ruling serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the constant need for vigilance against attempts to undermine them. The sentence against Lee Sang-min is not just about punishing an individual; it is about reinforcing the principles of democracy and accountability for past transgressions.

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He also faces charges of perjury for falsely testifying during a previous impeachment trial that he had not received or passed on orders for power and water shutdowns.