S.Korea's top court upholds former president's sentence

ANKARA

South Korea's top court on Thursday upheld a 20-year prison sentence for former president Park Geun-hye, the country's first female leader, over corruption.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Supreme Court of Korea announced its verdict in an appeal filed by prosecutors against a last year's ruling that reduced Park's combined prison term from 30 to 20 years.

The top court maintained the verdict, including a fine of 18 billion won ($15 million) and the decision to clear Park of extortion and part of abuse of power charges.

However, she will now serve 22 years in jail, which include a two-year prison term in another misuse of power case.

Park was ousted from office in March 2017 following an impeachment vote in parliament, and convicted in 2018.

She was accused of conspiring with her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil to force big conglomerates to donate large amounts to two foundations under Soon-sil's control.

The former president was also indicted on charges of accepting funds from three former chiefs of the National Intelligence Service between May 2013 and September 2016.

Park's supporters expressed frustration and disappointment with the ruling, saying they did not accept the outcome.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid