Foreign

Court jails ex-South Korea president for 15 years over corruption

Published

6 years ago

October 5, 2018

Former South Korean president Lee Myung – bak was jailed for 15 years for corruption on Friday , becoming the latest of the country ’ s ex – leaders to be sent to prison .The 76 – year – old CEO -turned – president , who served from 2008 to 2013 , was found guilty on charges including bribery and embezzlement and ordered to pay a fine of 13 billion ( $ 11 . 5 million ) by the Seoul Central District Court.
The former South Korean leader was indicted in April on 16 charges that included bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power .

The court found that Lee was the de -facto owner of DAS — a controversial auto parts company which he claimed was his brother ’ s — which he used to create slush funds of around 24 billion won .

Lee was also found guilty of accepting nearly six billion won from Samsung Electronics in return for a presidential pardon for its chairman Lee Kun – hee , who was jailed for tax evasion .

A Samsung spokesman declined to comment on Friday’ s ruling .

“ Despite objective evidence and credible testimonies , he has denied all offences and shifted responsibilities to others by saying he was being framed , ” said a judge during the trial that was broadcast live .

“ Bringing everything into consideration , heavy punishment for the accused is inevitable , ” she said .

Lee was not in attendance , citing ill – health and in protest against the court ’ s decision to televise the ruling .

Lee earlier dismissed what prosecutors say are “ incriminating ” documents and testimony from his relatives and aides as “ fabrications ” .

His lawyer called the ruling “ extremely regrettable” and said the court ’ s finding of Lee as the de – facto owner of DAS “ hard to understand” .

He told reporters that he will discuss appealing the verdict with Lee and reach a decision by Monday , according to Yonhap .

South Korean presidents have a tendency to end up in prison after their time in power – usually once their political rivals have moved into the presidential Blue House .

All four former South Korean presidents who are still alive have now been convicted of criminal offences.

Conservative Lee ’ s successor Park Geun -hye was sentenced to 25 years in prison and fined millions of dollars for bribery and abuse of power .

She was ousted last year over a nationwide corruption scandal that prompted massive street protests .

Chun Doo – hwan and Roh Tae – woo , former army generals who served as president through the 1980 s to early 1990 s , served jail terms for corruption and treason after leaving office .

Both Chun and Roh received presidential pardons after serving about two years .

Another former leader, Roh Moo – hyun , committed suicide after becoming embroiled in a corruption probe .

( AFP )