Court holds first preparatory hearing for Choi Soon-sil trial скачать в хорошем качестве

Court holds first preparatory hearing for Choi Soon-sil trial

The confidant of the president, the woman at the heart of the biggest political scandal of the year made her first public appearance at a court hearing. But Choi Soon-sil was there to deny all charges against her. Kim Hyesung has our top story. The first hearing in the case against Choi Soon-sil took place at the Seoul Central District Court at around two p.m. Monday. Choi made an appearance, though she wasn't required to do so since it was a preparatory hearing, and experts say it was a show of her determination to defend herself. During the hour-long hearing, the court reviewed the charges against Choi -- which include meddling in state affairs and abuse of power. Choi is also accused of using her close ties to President Park to force Korean companies to donate more than 65 million U.S. dollars to two government-linked foundations -- Mir and K-Sports -- along with President Park's former aide Ahn Jong-beom. Choi's lawyer said in court that she is not guilty of the charges against her, citing lack of evidence. ed:jm "I said all that I could during the hearing. And I made it clear that there was no collusion between Choi Soon-sil, President Park and her former presidential aide." Interest surrounding the trial, which was open to the public, was high. The court raffled off 80 admission tickets last week, and all of those seats were filled on Monday. "I watched the hearing because I wanted to see Choi Soon-sil in person. I hope prosecutors find the evidence and let justice be done." At three p.m., five other defendants,... including music video director Cha Eun-taek, who allegedly used his ties with Choi Soon-sil to win key culture-related government projects, made appearances in court. "The Seoul Central District Court is expected to review the charges against key figures implicated in the corruption scandal, including Choi, and set the trial schedule. Kim Hyesung, Arirang News." Visit ‘Arirang News’ Official Pages Facebook(NEWS):   / newsarirang   Homepage: http://www.arirang.com Facebook:   / arirangtv   Twitter:   / arirangworld   Instagram:   / arirangworld