[Yonhap News Photo]
South Korea's ousted ex-president Park Geun-hye may have to stay behind bars for another six months after a court issued a new arrest warrant, citing concern about the destruction of evidence.
A criminal court in Seoul approved a fresh arrest warrant, allowing prosecutors to extend Park's detention. The initial arrest warrant is valid until October 16. Since the first hearing was held on May 23, Park has been dragged into the courtroom almost four times a week, although she sometimes skipped court hearings, citing an ache in the toe on her left foot.
Park, 65, was indicted for abusing her status and power to coerce businessmen to donate money to nonprofit foundations controlled by her crony, Choi Soon-sil, in return for business favors.
She has denied charges of bribery, abuse of authority, coercion and leaking government secrets. She was ousted after the constitutional court upheld her impeachment on March 10, accusing her of betraying the confidence of voters.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
