Former S. Korean president Park denies charges as trial begins

The trial of ousted South Korean President Park Geun Hye began Tuesday at a Seoul court, with a lawyer for the former leader denying a string of allegations against her including bribery and abuse of power.Park, 65, was indicted last month on 18 charges including demanding or taking 59 billion won (about $52 million) in bribes, abuse of power and leaking confidential information.In the trial which began around 10 a.m. at Seoul Central District Court, Park's lawyer denied all charges, saying the indictment is "based on imagination."Park became the country's first democratically elected leade…READ FULL ARTICLE