South Korea’s special counsel team questioned former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min on Friday as part of an ongoing probe into former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief martial law declaration in December.

The investigation centers on Lee’s alleged role in ordering the National Fire Agency to cut electricity and water supplies to critical media outlets following the December 3 martial law declaration. According to local reports, the targeted outlets included Hankyoreh, Kyunghyang Shinmun, MBC, and polling agency Flower Research.

Led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk, the probe is examining whether President Yoon gave Lee a written order to take action against these outlets. Lee reportedly called the Fire Agency chief immediately after the decree and instructed cooperation with police if asked to disable utilities, according to Yonhap News Agency.

However, Lee previously testified during Yoon’s impeachment trial in February that neither he nor the former president gave such instructions. He reiterated his denial during earlier police questioning.

The special counsel is also investigating claims that Lee and other senior officials discussed a possible second martial law declaration at a presidential safe house after the National Assembly moved to revoke the initial order.

Lee has denied any involvement in plotting a second decree.

The probe has stirred political tensions in South Korea, raising concerns about press freedom and misuse of emergency powers during Yoon’s administration. The short-lived martial law order and its aftermath remain a highly sensitive issue.