Park was convicted of corruption, coercion and abuse of power. She has to pay a fine of 18 billion won. The sentence was read live on TV.
Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Former President Park Geun-hye was sentenced to 24 years in prison and a fine of 18 billion won (almost US$ 17 million). The sentence was televised live.
The Seoul Central District Court found Park, 66, guilty of corruption, coercion and abuse of power. Prosecutors had demanded 30 years in prison.
The former South Korean conservative leader was not present at her sentencing to protest against the court, which had extended her detention for six months.
Once an iconic figure among South Korea’s conservatives, she took office in early 2013. She was the first woman to become president.
At the end of 2016 she was caught up in a corruption scandal that involved her friend and adviser Choi Soon-sil, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The uproar led to her impeachment in December, removal from office and arrest the following March.