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| "The conviction of core allegations would warrant at least a 10-year sentence," said Yun Ho-jung, lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party. / Courtesy of Twitter |
By Lee Han-soo
What would the court's ruling be like if President Park Geun-hye is dethroned and stands trial for all the allegations against her?
An opposition lawmaker claimed the scandal-tarnished head of state could be sentenced to "life in prison."
Rep. Yun Ho-jung of the main opposition Democratic Party claimed the sentence could be reduced to 10 years, but Park is very unlikely to avoid imprisonment when she leaves the presidential office either by resigning or impeachment.
The three-term lawmaker, who is chairman of the party's policy committee, said his forecast was based on the opinions of his legal advisers.
"Park can be sentenced to up to life in prison if she is convicted of all allegations," Yun told fellow lawmakers last week.
"The conviction of core allegations would warrant at least a 10-year sentence."
The prosecution has pinpointed Park as a "criminal suspect" involved in allegedly multiple criminal acts, including extortion and abuse of official power.
Park may face more allegations because the prosecution is carrying out a sweeping probe into her close aides and businessmen who allegedly gave bribes to Park's long-time friend, Choi Soon-sil, in exchange for business favors.
Independent counsel Park Young-soo has vowed a "no-holds-barred" investigation of the scandal with his 100-member team, raising the possibility that the team would uncover fresh evidence against Park.
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