October 05, 2018 09:54
Ex-President Lee Myung-bak has said he will not after all show up for his sentencing in a corruption trial on Friday afternoon, which is to be broadcast live.
His lawyer Kang Hoon said Thursday, "After an interview with him this morning, I spoke with others in his defense team and decided to submit a statement to the court that he won't attend the sentencing."
Kang said Lee is in such poor health that it is difficult for him to stay in the courtroom for a session that will last more than two hours.
His defense team is also concerned about security, and Kang claimed Lee's arrival and departure in court "could tarnish the nation's image and erode national unity."
Lee is charged with embezzling W34.9 billion from an automotive parts company he owned by proxy and taking W11.1 billion in bribes (US$1=W1,130). Prosecutors have sought a 20-year prison sentence.
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