Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye jailed for 24 years for corruption
Seoul, Apr 5 (IBNS) : South Korea’s former president Park Geun-hye has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for abuse of power and corruption, media reports said.
The verdict, pronounced by the Seoul Central District Court, was broadcast live-an unprecedented move by, the authorities..
The 66-year-old former leader, who was also fined 18bn won (£12m, $17m), faced a string of corruption charges.
According to reports, she boycotted the trial hearings, alleging "political vendetta" against her.
Park was not in court on Friday for the verdict. She refused to attend court session, citing sickness.
Prosecutors had sought a 30-year jail sentence and an £80m fine on charges that also included bribery and coercion.
The court found that Park, had colluded with her long-time friend Choi Soon-sil to solicit bribes from South Korean conglomerates including Samsung and retail giant Lotte in exchange for policy favours.
Prosecutors charged Park with 18 separate crimes and accused her of working with Choi in taking bribes of at least £25m and pressuring companies to fund nonprofits run by Choi’s family. She was also accused of leaking classified information.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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