Prosecutors to Rule on Compassionate Prison Leave for Park

Prosecutors will decide this week whether to grant ex-President Park Geun-hye temporary compassionate leave from prison so she can go to hospital.

Prosecutors plan to visit Park, who complains of "searing" back pain, in a remand prison this week to determine if she is fit to appear in court for the appeal of a 25-year prison sentence for corruption and racketeering.

Park (67) is boycotting the court proceedings and has so far refused to see anyone but her lawyers.

An official at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office said Sunday, "We are discussing the time and date with Park's side. We hope to examine her early this week." That would make it possible to decide on Thursday or Friday.

The six-month detention period before judgment in the appeal expired last week. But Park is also serving a two-year jail sentence for meddling in her party's nominations for the 2016 general election, which has not been appealed.

Her lawyer, Yoo Yeong-ha, last week petitioned for her release on compassionate grounds because she is seriously ill.

Prosecutors will accompany doctors as they check Park's health. Three doctors, three prosecutors and three independent observers will determine whether to grant the leave.

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