Many of you might be aware by now that Samsung Electronics vice chairman and the conglomerate's heir Lee Jae-yong has been behind bars for a couple of weeks due to his alleged role in South Korea's influence-peddling scandal that has led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. The Samsung leader was indicted last week and his legal team went to court for the first trial hearing today. Lee Jae-yong has denied all charges against him which include bribery and other criminal charges.
He claimed innocence in the matter through his lawyers. The hearing was held earlier today at the Seoul Central District Court. Lee didn't attend the hearing himself because the inaugural session primarily deals with procedural issues related to the trial. Lee's team has basically reiterated his earlier stance that Samsung didn't pay bribes voluntarily and that the donations were made customarily in compliance with government requests.
His legal team has urged the special prosecutors to stay away from presumptions in handling Lee's case. The trial is due to complete within three months so we'll know by May if Lee will be convicted on the charges that he has been indicted on.
