The Latest on the corruption verdict for former South Korean President Park Geun-hye (all times local):
5:50 p.m.
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A lawyer of ex-South Korean President Park Geun-hye has called her sentence of 24 years in prison over corruption “very bad” and hinted that she would appeal.
Kang Cheol-gu told reporters after Friday’s ruling that he believes the “appeals court and the Supreme Court will make a different judgment.”
He says Park’s legal team will decided whether to appeal after confirming Park’s willingness.
Thousands of Park’s supporters have marched near the Seoul court to protest the ruling, carrying South Korean and U.S. flags and also signs and banners that read, among other things, “Immediately release innocent President Park Geun-hye” and “Stop murderous political revenge.”
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3:55 p.m.
A South Korean court has sentenced disgraced ex-President Park Geun-hye to 24 years in prison over a corruption scandal.
The Seoul Central District Court issued the verdict on Friday after convicting Park of bribery, abuse of power, extortion and other charges.
Park has been held at a detention center near Seoul since her arrest in March 2017, but she refused to attend Friday’s court session, citing sickness.
The biggest charge was that she colluded with a longtime confidante to take tens of millions of dollars from companies in bribes and extortion.
Park was removed from office last year following months of massive rallies that saw millions take to the streets calling for her ouster.
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2:45 p.m.
A South Korean judge says former President Park Geun-hye is guilty of abuse of power and coercion.
The verdict came as a Seoul Central District Court judge read a lengthy statement Friday. The sentencing was to follow. Prosecutors have requested a 30-year term.
Park has been held at a detention center near Seoul since her arrest in March 2017, but she refused to attend Friday’s court session citing sickness.
Park was removed from office early last year following months of massive rallies that saw millions take to the nation’s streets calling for her ouster.
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10:40 a.m.
A South Korean court is set to issue a verdict against disgraced former President Park Geun-hye over a corruption scandal.
Park has been held at a detention center near Seoul since her arrest in March 2017, after she was removed from office amid months of massive rallies calling for her ouster.
Prosecutors have requested a 30-year prison term on Park, after charging her with colluding with a confidante to take tens of millions of dollars from businesses in bribes and extortion.
The Seoul Central District Court says it plans to issue a verdict on Park on Friday.
Park is a daughter of late dictator Park Chung-hee, who ruled South Korea from 1961-1979.
