Audio files accepted as evidence in S.Korean President's trial

A South Korean court on Tuesday accepted a set of audio files as evidence in President Park Geun-hye's ongoing impeachment trial.

The files, which were submitted by state prosecutors to the impeachment trial last week, contain recordings of phone conversations by Ko Young-tae, a former associate of Park's close friend Choi Soon-sil who has been accused of meddling in state affairs and gain personal profits using her ties to the President, Yonhap news agency reported.

In some, Ko appears to be plotting to take control of a non-profit foundation for his personal gain. The foundation was allegedly established by Choi with the government's support to siphon off large "donations" from the country's major business groups.

However, Park's lawyers have claimed the recordings back up their argument that the President's impeachment was triggered by a conspiracy between Ko and his associates to get revenge on Choi.

Park was impeached in December for allegedly letting Choi manipulate state affairs and colluding with her to extort money from conglomerates.

The President was also accused of neglecting her duty to protect citizens' lives during a 2014 ferry disaster that killed more than 300.

Park has refuted all charges and stressed she will prove her innocence in court.

Speculation has grown recently over whether she will personally appear at her trial to make a public appeal.

--IANS

ksk/vt