During the emergency martial law on December 3, former Minister of the Interior and Safety, Lee Sang-min, who is accused of ordering the cut-off of electricity and water to media companies, appeared at a National Assembly hearing but refused to testify again.
Today (4th), at the second hearing of the ‘Special Committee for the State Investigation to Investigate the Allegation of Insurrection through the Declaration of Martial Law by the Yoon Seok-yeol Government’ held in the National Assembly, former Minister Lee refused to take an oath or testify and stated, “I will not testify,” in response to current issue inquiries.
When Chairman Ahn Kyu-baek of the National Investigation Special Committee asked for the reason for refusing to testify, former Minister Lee explained, “I have decided to refuse the oath and testimony because I am currently undergoing intensive investigation by investigative agencies due to the contentious points of this case.”
When Chairman Ahn asked, “Why do you testify to the investigative agency but refuse to testify and take an oath in the National Assembly?” former Minister Lee argued that “Making statements based on limited situations and memories could cause more confusion among the public if different statements are perceived by them.”
He further added, “I am stating everything truthfully to the investigative agency and I believe everything will be properly communicated to the public if given some time.”
In response, Chairman Ahn criticized, “As someone who has walked the path of a legal professional all his life, you of all people should consider the seriousness and gravity of the situation, and seek to understand and persuade the public, and also express your intentions.”
■ Fire Commissioner: “Received orders for power and water cut-off cooperation from Former Minister Lee”
Meanwhile, regarding the allegations of cutting off power and water to media companies, Fire Commissioner Heo Seok-gon testified earlier that he received a call from former Minister Lee Sang-min and was instructed on related measures.
When Deputy Yi Yonghee of the Basic Income Party asked whether the Fire Agency received requests for power and water cut-off from Former Minister Lee, mentioning media outlets like Hankyoreh, Kyunghyang, MBC, JTBC, and the Kim Eo-jun News Factory, Commissioner Heo replied, “I remember it that way.”
When asked by Deputy Yong why Former Minister Lee denies this, Commissioner Heo responded, “I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to speak on that matter” and added, “I testified according to my memory.”
[Photo Source: Yonhap News]
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