Jailed ex-president boycotts court hearings for health reasons

A file picture shows a national flag contained the picture of ex-president Park Geun-hye which was placed by conservative activists outside a detention center near Seoul.

South Korea's jailed ex-president Park Geun-hye boycotted her trial for health reasons as conservative groups called for a street rally to support her struggle against what she called a "meaningless" court process.

Park's absence prompted the criminal court in Seoul to adjourn Thursday's hearing until a public lawyer is appointed because her legal team resigned en masse in protest at her extended detention.

A fresh arrest warrant has been issued, allowing prosecutors to extend Park's detention for up to six months. Since the first hearing was held on May 23, Park has been dragged into the courtroom almost four times a week.

Pro-Park supporters said they would organize a rally in central on Saturday to support the former leader who was indicted for abusing her status and power to coerce businessmen to donate money to nonprofit foundations controlled by her crony, Choi Soon-sil, in return for business favors.

Park has denied charges of bribery, abuse of authority, coercion and leaking government secrets. Her international legal team accused prison authorities of committing "serious human rights violations" against Park, who was ousted and jailed after the constitutional court upheld her impeachment on March 10.

Park, 65, allegedly suffers from chronic conditions and maladies, but she is not receiving adequate care and lives in a cell that's dirty, cold and constantly lit so she cannot sleep, CNN reported earlier, based on a document released by MH Group.

Lim Chang-won Reporter cwlim34@ajunews.com

임장원 cwlim34@ajunews.com

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