Bail Denied for Former Minister Lee Sang-min Over Power and Water Cut Orders; Trial to Proceed in Detention

[Financial News] Former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, who was indicted for his alleged involvement in the December 3 martial law by ordering power and water cuts to media outlets, requested to stand trial without detention, but the court rejected his request.
On the 24th, the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Agreement Division 32, presided over by Judge Ryu Kyung-jin, dismissed Lee’s bail request. Lee, who has been indicted on charges including participation in an insurrection, will continue to stand trial in detention.
Lee filed for bail on the 16th, and a bail hearing was held on the 19th, lasting about 30 minutes.
Lee has been in custody since August 1, and his detention period is set to last until January 31 next year.
Lee is accused of ordering the National Fire Agency to cut power and water to certain media outlets, including Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and The Hankyoreh, during the martial law on December 3 last year. As the head of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which was the main authority for martial law, he is also charged with failing to prevent the illegal declaration of martial law and effectively condoning it. In addition, he faces allegations of giving false testimony during the Constitutional Court of Korea’s impeachment trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol in February.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter