Special Counsel Questions Former Interior Minister Over Martial Law Allegations

Strategic Insights -

The special counsel team investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration is questioning former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min over his alleged involvement in the decision. Lee appeared before the team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk, amid allegations that he ordered the National Fire Agency to cut power and water to critical media outlets and an opinion polling agency on the night of the martial law declaration on December 3.

Key Takeaways:

  • The special counsel team is questioning Lee over his alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration on December 3.
  • Lee is accused of ordering the National Fire Agency to cut power and water to media outlets Hankyoreh, Kyunghyang Shinmun, MBC, and opinion polling agency Flower Research.
  • Investigators have determined that Lee called the National Fire Agency chief right after the martial law declaration to give orders to cooperate with police in cutting off power and water to the outlets and the polling agency.
  • Lee previously testified at Yoon's impeachment trial in February that he never tried to cut off power or water and that Yoon did not give such instructions.
  • The team is investigating whether Lee actively assisted Yoon's martial law declaration as an accomplice.
  • Lee will also be questioned over allegations of plotting a second declaration of martial law with other top administration officials at a presidential safe house, soon after the National Assembly lifted the decree.

Statistics:

  • 1 alleged media outlet affected by power and water cuts: Hankyoreh
  • 2 alleged media outlets affected by power and water cuts: Kyunghyang Shinmun and MBC
  • 1 alleged opinion polling agency affected by power and water cuts: Flower Research
  • 1 alleged accomplice in martial law declaration: Lee Sang-min
  • 1 alleged plot to declare martial law at a presidential safe house: perpetual

Sources:

  • [1] Law enforcement sources (desired date not specified)
  • [2] Lee Sang-min's testimony at Yoon's impeachment trial in February (desired date not specified)
  • [3] Special counsel Cho Eun-suk (desired date not specified)