Ex-S.Korean president Lee sentenced to 15 years in jail over corruption

SEOUL - Former South Korean president Lee Myungbak was sentenced on Friday to 15 years in jail for corruptions, including bribery and embezzlement.

Seoul Central District Court sentenced Lee, who served as the country's head of state for five years from early 2008, to 15 years in prison, fining him 13 billion won ($11.5 million).

The sentencing session was broadcast live, but the 76-year-old refused to appear at the courtroom.