S Korea’s former prez arrested over scandal

South Korea’s former President Park Geun-hye was arrested early Friday after a court ordered her detention barely three weeks after she was ousted for alleged corruption.

The Seoul Central District Court granted the warrant following a hearing on Thursday, citing concern that Park could destroy evidence. The former leader, who was waiting for the court decision at the prosecutors’ office, was taken to the Seoul Detention Center where Samsung’s Jay Y Lee and Park’s long-time friend Choi Soon-sil are being held.

The court said in a text message that there was “reason and necessity” to arrest Park. "Major allegations were explained and proved and there were concerns over evidence destruction,” the court said.

Her detention is the latest milestone in a corruption scandal that has gripped the nation for months, leading to her removal from office and raising questions over connections between the government and large conglomerates in Asia’s fourth-largest economy. Park, 65, has denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors will have as many as 19 days to consider whether to indict the former leader, who is suspected of pressuring top business executives to donate tens of millions of dollars to foundations run by her confidante Choi in return for government favours.

Park is also alleged to have leaked state secrets and colluded with Choi to seek bribes from Samsung Group’s heir apparent Jay Y Lee in return for business favours. Choi and Lee are in detention as their trials proceed, and both deny wrongdoing. If convicted of bribery, Park would face at least 10 years in prison.

Government attorneys requested the arrest warrant on Monday, citing the gravity of Park’s alleged crimes and the risk that she could destroy evidence.