Ex-South Korean president released on bail

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – Jailed former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak was released on bail on Wednesday nearly a year after he was arrested on corruption charges.

A court in Seoul accepted Lee's bail plea against a bond worth $886 on the grounds of deteriorating health and other reasons, Yonhap reported.

A lower court last October had sentenced Lee to 15 years in prison for bribery and embezzlement.

"The court ordered him to stay in his registered residence and meet or communicate only with his immediate family members and legal representatives. Lee accepted the conditions,” Yonhap reported quoting the court decision.

The former Korean president has been asked by the court to seek prior approval for hospital visits. Besides, he has been ordered by the court to submit details of his daily activities, the report added.

Lee was convicted for using his presidential power to benefit his brother's auto parts firm, including accepting a more than $5 billion bribe from Samsung.