Court ousts South Korea's scandal-hit president

Risingbd Desk: South Korea's President Park Geun-hye has become the country's first democratically elected leader to be forced from office.

Judges unanimously upheld Parliament's decision to impeach her over her role in a corruption scandal involving close friend Choi Soon-sil.

Ms Park's dismissal from office means South Korea must now elect a new president by early May.

She also loses her presidential immunity and can be prosecuted.

Ms Park has been suspended from presidential duties since December, with the country's prime minister taking over her responsibilities.


Ms Choi meanwhile has been charged with bribery and corruption for allegedly pressuring big companies to give money in return for government favours. Ms Park has been accused of colluding with her.

Both women have denied wrongdoing.

A panel of eight judges with the country's apex constitutional court had deliberated Ms Park's impeachment before deciding there was sound reason for her dismissal.

Crowds had gathered outside the court building to hear the culmination of a drama that has gripped South Koreans and sparked mass demonstrations in Seoul and other cities.

Source: Agencies




Risingbd/March 10, 2017/Mukul