The Korea Herald

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Prosecution seeks additional arrest warrant for ex-president

By Yonhap

Published : Sept. 26, 2017 - 11:15

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Prosecutors asked a Seoul court Tuesday to issue an additional warrant to extend the detention of former President Park Geun-hye, who is on trial in a massive corruption scandal.

Park was ousted from office and arrested on bribery and other charges in March. Her six-month arrest warrant expires Oct. 16.

The prosecution made the request during a court hearing, saying it won't be able to finish courtroom interrogations of witnesses in the given time.
 

Former President Park Geun-hye (Yonhap) Former President Park Geun-hye (Yonhap)

"The defendant's case is the heart of the influence-peddling scandal. The defendant has denied all charges, and an additional investigation into evidence is needed," the prosecution said.

Among other charges, Park stands accused of colluding with her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil in taking some 43 billion won ($37.8 million) from top conglomerates including Samsung, and letting her meddle in state affairs.

The prosecution claimed an additional warrant would be possible based on the bribery charges related to two other conglomerates -- SK and Lotte.

If issued, Park can be detained for up to another six months.

Yoo Yeong-ha, Park's lawyer, objected the prosecution's request, arguing that a warrant is not necessary for a case that is coming to an end.

The court asked the prosecution and defendant to each submit a written statement regarding the additional arrest warrant for Park.

The Seoul court has been on a tight schedule to proceed with Park's trial, which has been held four times a week since June. But too many witnesses -- some of whom refused to testify -- and Park's absence at a number of sessions due to health issues, have dragged the pace.

Tuesday's session was the 76th of the court proceedings that began in May. (Yonhap)