South Korea Prosecutors Demand Death Penalty for Ex-President Park Geun-hye
Prosecutors in South Korea have officially sought the death penalty for former President Park Geun-hye, marking the first time such a severe punishment has been requested for a former head of state in the country's modern history. The move follows a series of high-profile corruption allegations that led to her impeachment and removal from office in 2017.
Background
Park Geun-hye, daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee, served as South Korea’s first female president from 2013 to 2017. Her presidency was marred by scandals, including accusations of accepting billions of won in bribes from major conglomerates and pressuring companies to donate to her personal foundations. The controversies culminated in massive street protests, with millions of South Koreans demanding her resignation.
In December 2016, the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Park, and the Constitutional Court upheld the decision in March 2017, removing her from office. She was subsequently arrested and placed on trial, facing multiple charges including abuse of power, coercion, and bribery.
Key Developments
In a court filing last week, prosecutors argued that Park’s actions constituted a “grave offense against the state and people” that justified the death penalty. This is the first time South Korean prosecutors have sought such a punishment for a former president. The request comes as Park is already serving a 22-year prison sentence for bribery and abuse of power, handed down in 2018.
Park's defense team has strongly rejected the prosecutors' claims, arguing that the request is politically motivated and that her previous sentence is sufficient. They have also pointed out that capital punishment was abolished in South Korea in 1998, though it remains on the books for exceptional cases. The last execution in the country took place in 1997.
Impact
The decision to seek the death penalty has sparked renewed public debate in South Korea about the use of capital punishment. While the move was initially met with approval by some who view it as a sign of justice being served, others have expressed concern that it could set a dangerous precedent.
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The case also has significant implications for South Korea's political landscape. Park's conservative Saenuri Party, now known as the Liberty Korea Party, has been struggling to regain public trust following the scandal. The party's leadership has been divided over whether to support or condemn Park, with some members calling for her to step down from public life entirely.
What Next
The Seoul Central District Court is expected to issue a ruling on the prosecutors’ request in the coming months. Legal analysts predict that the court is unlikely to approve the death penalty, given the country’s long-standing moratorium on executions. However, the case could still result in an extended prison sentence for Park.
Regardless of the outcome, the case is likely to have lasting effects on South Korean politics. The scandal has already led to a shift in public attitudes toward corruption and corporate influence in government, with many calling for stricter regulations and greater transparency. The case may also influence future impeachment proceedings, as lawmakers weigh the potential consequences of removing a sitting president from office.
