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Judge: Former South Korean Leader ParkGuilty of Abuse of Power, Coercion

by Associated Press

   SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA --

   A South Korean judge says former President Park Geun-hye is guilty of
   abuse of power and coercion.
   The verdict came as a Seoul Central District Court judge read a lengthy
   statement Friday. The sentencing was to follow. Prosecutors have
   requested a 30-year term.

   Park has been held at a detention center near Seoul since her arrest in
   March 2017, but she refused to attend Friday's court session citing
   sickness.
   Park was removed from office early last year following months of
   massive rallies that saw millions take to the nation's streets calling
   for her ouster.

   Park is a daughter of late dictator Park Chung-hee, who ruled South
   Korea from 1961-1979.

   This story was written by the Associated Press.