South Armagh: Man released on bail after explosives-related arrest
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Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
Solitary cell with mattress on the floor for South Korea's once powerful ex-first lady
SEOUL, Aug 13 (Reuters) - South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee will spend her first day in jail on Wednesday in a cell much like the one her husband and ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol occupies as prosecutors pursue the once high-flying couple in a widening criminal probe. Kim was formally booked into the Seoul Nambu Detention Center on the western edge of the capital, a comparatively new correctional facility that opened in 2011 and one of the few run by a female warden. She will be treated in the same way as other inmates but will receive minor adjustments in her daily routine given her status as a high-profile figure, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. Kim was imprisoned after a court approved a warrant for her arrest late on Tuesday on the grounds that she might destroy evidence amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of bribery, stock fraud and influence peddling. Kim's lawyers have denied the accusations against her and dismissed as groundless speculation news reports about some of the gifts she allegedly received in return for favours. Kim apologised for causing concern in the country and called herself "a nobody" as she appeared for questioning last week. Her solitary cell has a small table that can be used as a desk and for eating meals and a floor mattress to sleep on, said the source, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Kim will have separate access to a common shower room and be allowed to exercise outdoors for an hour every day except on Sundays, the time staggered to avoid overlap with other inmates, the source said. Prison will be an entirely new experience for Kim, unlike for her husband who has already spent about 100 days in jail. Yoon is on trial over his botched attempt to impose martial law, on charges of insurrection, an accusation he denies. He has been imprisoned at the Seoul Detention Center, which despite its name is outside the capital to the south. The former first couple had lived in a spacious apartment in an upscale district of Seoul before Yoon's election as president in May 2022 and had returned there after his ouster for the martial law decree that resulted in a political disaster for him, his party and now for his wife. Kim is a wealthy businesswoman in her own right and most of the couple's assets including the apartment belong to her, according to a government database. Now, Kim will receive the same food as the average inmate, usually traditional Korean fare prepared at a cost of about 1,500 won ($1.08) per meal. On Wednesday, toast with strawberry jam, sausages and salad were on the menu for breakfast. A fine art expert who founded and ran a successful curation agency, Kim has been embroiled in a number of scandals before and after her husband's election in 2022, with the controversies at times overshadowing Yoon's turbulent presidency. Her fashion choices and policy lobbying in areas like promoting a ban on eating dog meat made her controversial in a country where a first lady has typically kept a low profile. Han Dong-soo, a former judge and a prosecutor who worked with Yoon, said Kim had "a politically strategic mind" and was a driving force behind her husband's ascent to top office. After she married Yoon when he was 52, Kim became the main influence of practically all of his thinking and decisions, Han said. Kim was 39 when they wed. "Kim Keon Hee chose him," said Han. "And she gave him the strategy and energy to be president" ($1 = 1,382.8000 won) (This story has been corrected to specify the detention facility opened in 2011, not 11 years ago, in paragraph 2)
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Man arrested after police gun fired during scuffle at Sydney Airport
A man in Australia was arrested on Tuesday after a police firearm was discharged at the domestic terminal of the Sydney Airport. Australian federal authorities launched an investigation into the incident, the police spokesperson said. While the crime scene was sectioned off, there is no ongoing threat to the public and the airport is not in a lockdown, police said. The incident took place around 6am, close to gate number 49 of T2 terminal, leading to a partial lockdown. According to a video shared on 2BG radio, three police officials were seen restraining a man near a cafe. The man allegedly attempted to snatch an officer's gun during the struggle, reported the outlet, citing sources. 'Sydney airport is currently assisting Australian federal police following an incident earlier this morning,' said the airport spokesperson. 'No injuries occurred as a result of the incident. An arrest has been made and the airport is operating normally.' "An investigation into the incident has been launched ... and there is no ongoing threat to the public. "Further comment will be provided at an appropriate time," police said in a statement. While the accused, who has not yet been publicly identified, has been arrested, charges have not been pressed against him, reported 1News. A bystander and a former New South Wales police officer who identified himself to 2GB as William, said he was at the airport to drop off his friend when he saw a man struggling with two Australian Federal Police officers. "The AFP officer's long firearm has gone to the ground and was underneath the fellow as we went to restrain him. The shot has been discharged," he said. Another eyewitnesses told ABC News that he saw 'people running' as the gun went off. While he did not see what incited the entire incident, the passenger told the outlet, "when they hit the ground the gun went off. It looked like [the bullet] hit the wall of that cafe there. "There were a lot of cops, people running and Jetstar staff ushering people away."
Reuters
7 hours ago
- Reuters
South Korea's former first lady imprisoned after court issues warrant
SEOUL, Aug 12 (Reuters) - South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee has been arrested after a court late on Tuesday issued a warrant to arrest her following accusations of graft that she denies, a special prosecutor leading a wide-reaching probe said. Kim is South Korea's only former first lady to be arrested, joining her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, in jail as he faces trial following his ouster in April over a botched bid to impose martial law in December. Earlier in the day, Kim, wearing a black suit, bowed as she arrived at court, but did not answer reporters' questions or make a statement. After the hearing ended she left to await the ruling at a detention centre in Seoul, the capital, in line with customary practice. The court issued the warrant for Kim's detention, the special prosecutor appointed in early June said in a brief message. The prosecutor's office did not provide further details. The charges against her, punishable by years in prison, range from stock fraud to bribery and illegal influence peddling that have implicated business owners, religious figures and a political power broker. She has been accused of breaking the law over an incident in which she wore a luxury Van Cleef pendant reportedly worth more than 60 million won ($43,000) while attending a NATO summit with her husband in 2022. The item was not listed in the couple's financial disclosure as required by law, according to the charge. Kim is also accused of receiving two Chanel bags together valued at 20 million won and a diamond necklace from a religious group as a bribe in return for influence favourable to its business interests. The prosecution sought Kim's arrest because of the risk of her destroying evidence and interfering with the investigation, a spokesperson for the special prosecutor's team told a press briefing after Tuesday's hearing. The court accepted the argument on the risk of destroying evidence, Yonhap news reported. The spokesperson, Oh Jeong-hee, said Kim had told prosecutors the pendant she wore was a fake bought 20 years ago in Hong Kong. The prosecution said it was genuine, however, and given by a domestic construction company for Kim to wear at the summit, Oh said. Kim's lawyers did not immediately comment on Tuesday but they have previously denied the accusations against her and dismissed as groundless speculation news reports about some of the gifts she allegedly received. Yoon is on trial on charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The former president, who also faces charges of abuse of power among others, has denied wrongdoing and refused to attend trial hearings or be questioned by prosecutors. ($1=1,391.3000 won)
