The special prosecutor investigating the insurrection summoned former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min on the morning of the 25th in relation to allegations of 'instructions to cut off power and water to media organizations' during the state of emergency on December 3 of last year.
Former Minister Lee arrived at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, where the special prosecutor's office is located, around 10 a.m. on that day. He remained silent in response to reporters' questions such as 'Was the document regarding the power and water cut reported to you in the presidential office on the day of the emergency?' and 'What points do you plan to clarify in today's investigation?'
Former Minister Lee is facing allegations that he ordered the Fire Agency to implement power and water cuts for specific media outlets, including MBC, JTBC, HanKyeoreh, and Kyunghyang Shinmun, at the direction of former President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 3 of last year. The special prosecutor has secured evidence suggesting that former Minister Lee received documents containing former President Yoon's instructions, as well as phone records in which he directed then-Fire Agency Commissioner Heo Seok-gon on related matters.
However, former Minister Lee has denied the allegations, stating during the impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, 'I have seen a paper note from a distance in the presidential office, but I have never seen a document with details on the power and water cut.'
The special prosecutor is expected to consider applying charges of insurrectional important duties based on evidence of attempts to execute orders related to the state of emergency, along with perjury charges.
Earlier, on the 23rd, the special prosecutor summoned Commissioner Heo as a witness for questioning. Reports indicate that the special prosecutor has looked into the factual circumstances surrounding allegations that former Minister Lee directed the Fire Agency to implement power and water cuts for certain media outlets.