Former South Korean President Abused in Prison?
The lawyer representing former South Korean President Park Geun-hye has accused the country's authorities of "mistreating" her while she was in detention awaiting trial, the Korea Herald reported today, October 18.
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| Ms. Park said that the past 6 months have been a difficult and terrible time for her. (Illustration photo: Getty) |
Accordingly, Ms. Park's lawyers said that she was detained in a dirty, cold cell that was always too bright, making it impossible for her to sleep.
The complaint also said that Ms. Park now suffers from a number of chronic conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, adrenal gland disorders, and malnutrition. “Her condition has been getting worse. There is no evidence that she has been treated well,” the complaint said.
Park's defense team plans to submit the complaint to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The complaint also says that Park had to sleep on the floor.
However, the prison where Park is being held has denied the allegations. A Seoul Detention Center spokesperson told CNN that Park still sleeps on a folding mattress, but beds are not used in South Korean prisons.
For her part, during the trial on October 16, she asserted her innocence and that she was the victim of a "political plot" under the name of the law.
Ms. Park said that the past 6 months for her were "a miserable and terrible time".
I have endured both physical and mental pain with the sole belief that the truth will be revealed, that I have never abused my presidential powers for personal gain." Park Geun-hye |
She also criticized the Seoul court's decision to extend her detention for another six months after her initial detention term ended.
Former President Park Geun-hye was ousted and arrested in March on a series of charges, including bribery and abuse of power.
She was accused of colluding with her close friend Choi Soon-sil to receive 43 billion won ($37 million) from major corporations in South Korea, including Samsung. In addition, Ms. Park was also criticized for allowing her close friend to interfere in state affairs and exploiting their relationship for personal gain.
In September, prosecutors requested an extension of Park’s detention, saying they needed more time to complete the trial process. Park will remain in custody until April 16 next year.
According to Dan Tri
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