S. Korean court to conditionally release ex-president Lee Myung-bak on bail

SEOUL -- A South Korean appellate court on Wednesday decided to conditionally release former President Lee Myung-bak on bail as it can reduce a possibility for destruction of evidence, according to local media reports.

The Seoul High Court approved the request to bail Lee, who was sentenced to 15 years in the first trial on conviction of bribery, embezzlement and other charges in October last year. He has been in detention since March last year.

The bail approval was made conditionally. Lee posted one billion won ($886,000) bail for his release.

The court said hearings for the case would not end until Lee's detention expires on April 8, given the high number of witnesses to be questioned.

It noted that if Lee is set free from prison after the expiry date, it can raise the possibility for destruction of evidence as he does not face any restrictions on residence and people who he contacts.

When Lee is released on bail, the detention would continue to be effective and he would be required to follow the conditions set for the release on bail, the court said.

The court ordered Lee, who served his five-year presidency from early 2008, to stay only in his registered residence in central Seoul, restricting his going out.

If he needs to go to hospital, Lee will be required to get approval from the court after reporting on the reason and where to go.

People who Lee can meet would be restricted to his immediate family members and his legal representatives.

The court said the strict conditions, equivalent to home confinement, were set as there was public criticism for the bail system.