SEOUL, April 22 (AJP) - Prosecutors on Wednesday again sought a 15-year prison term for former Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min in his appeals trial over allegations related to disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle in December 2024.
Lee was sentenced to seven years in prison in his first trial in February this year.
During a hearing at the Seoul High Court, prosecutors said Lee played a key role in carrying out Yoon's botched declaration of martial law by instructing police and fire agencies to cut off power and water to major institutions and news outlets on Yoon's orders with the aim of "completely paralyzing" media critical of the abrupt overnight fiasco.
"The case is tantamount to terrorism against democracy," they criticized, adding that insurrection or its attempt is a serious crime that would make heavy punishment unavoidable even if it is merely planned.
They argued that the absence of casualties and the fact that the debacle failed should not be grounds for a reduced sentence, and called for strict punishment to prevent a recurrence. They also pointed to his uncooperative behavior in investigations and perjury during hearings, saying these should be considered in sentencing.
Prosecutors also suspected that he was aware of Yoon's plan in advance, citing evidence that he had spoken with key officials such as former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
The appellate court is expected to deliver a sentence sometime next month as it must be concluded within three months of the first trial verdict, meaning the ruling would be made before May 12.
Lee was sentenced to seven years in prison in his first trial in February this year.
During a hearing at the Seoul High Court, prosecutors said Lee played a key role in carrying out Yoon's botched declaration of martial law by instructing police and fire agencies to cut off power and water to major institutions and news outlets on Yoon's orders with the aim of "completely paralyzing" media critical of the abrupt overnight fiasco.
"The case is tantamount to terrorism against democracy," they criticized, adding that insurrection or its attempt is a serious crime that would make heavy punishment unavoidable even if it is merely planned.
They argued that the absence of casualties and the fact that the debacle failed should not be grounds for a reduced sentence, and called for strict punishment to prevent a recurrence. They also pointed to his uncooperative behavior in investigations and perjury during hearings, saying these should be considered in sentencing.
Prosecutors also suspected that he was aware of Yoon's plan in advance, citing evidence that he had spoken with key officials such as former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
The appellate court is expected to deliver a sentence sometime next month as it must be concluded within three months of the first trial verdict, meaning the ruling would be made before May 12.
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