S Korea ex-leader guilty of abusing power

South Korea's former President Park Geun-hye has been found guilty of abuse of power and coercion, in a court verdict being broadcast live.

She faces 18 corruption-related charges. 

The verdict is still being read out and the final sentence is expected to be delivered within hours.

It is the culmination of a scandal which rocked South Korea, fuelling rage against political and business elites.

Ms. Park, who denies wrongdoing, faces up to 30 years in jail and hefty fines.

She was found to have colluded with a close friend, Choi Soon-sil, to pressure conglomerates for bribes in return for political favours.

Choi, who rose to power as an influential confidante of Ms Park, was convicted of corruption in February, and their relationship has been the subject of intense public scrutiny.

Ms. Park was not in court on Friday for the verdict. 

She has boycotted her trial hearings and has previously accused the courts of being biased against her.

SOURCE: BBC News
---DECRYPTED---