Lee Myung-bak requests for first corruption trial to take place in his absence

Posted on : 2018-05-11 15:58 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
The ex-president charged with 16 counts of corruption cites health issues as reason for not attending
Ex-president Lee Myung-bak is seen leaving his home on Mar. 23
Ex-president Lee Myung-bak is seen leaving his home on Mar. 23

Former President Lee Myung-bak’s first trial appearance is scheduled to take place on May 23. Lee’s side, which has recognized all of the evidence requested by prosecutors, requested that the ex-President “be allowed to not be present if possible.”

The 27th criminal division of Seoul Central District Court under judge Jeong Gye-seon heard opinions from the prosecution and defense on May 10 for its second trial preparation date for Lee, who has been indicted on 16 counts of corruption, including bribery, embezzlement and tax evasion.

While Lee was not in attendance, his attorney claimed that the company DAS was “established by the defendant’s older brother” and that Lee had “never conspired to establish or used DAS’s slush fund.” Witness examinations are expected to be reduced significantly after Lee’s previous consent for all evidence requested by prosecutors.

“Most of the witnesses are people who worked with me. I don’t think it’s my place as a former President to ask those people in court whether they were lying,” Lee said.

The court, which is scheduled to hold one more trial preparation date on May 17, said the first hearing would take place on May 23, with two hearings a week scheduled until mid-June. In response, Kang Hoon, one of the attorneys representing Lee, said, “While the defendant is required to attend the first hearing date, he is not in the health condition to continue attending, and we would appreciate if it he could be questioned [about the evidence] without being present if possible.”

Meeting with reporters afterwards, Kang said Lee “is not in good health.”

“His glucose level is high, and they are recommending outside treatment, but he insists on not going because he doesn’t want to give the impression that he is receiving special treatment,” Kang added.

By Kim Min-kyoung, staff reporter

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]

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