South Korean prosecutors are denied Park scandal probe extension

[nitpicker]

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-politics-idUSKBN16601D

World News | Mon Feb 27, 2017 | 3:18am EST

South Korean prosecutors are denied Park scandal probe extension

By Se Young Lee and Ju-min Park | SEOUL

South Korean special prosecutors investigating impeached President Park Geun-hye were denied permission to extend their probe and question her in person on Monday amid a graft scandal that threatens to topple her from office.

The special prosecutor's office will make its final indictments before its investigation into the scandal, which has engulfed the highest levels of politics and business in South Korea, closes on Tuesday, spokesman Lee Kyu-chul told reporters.
(snip)

The office of Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, acting as president since Park was impeached by parliament in December, said Hwang had rejected a request by prosecutors for a 30-day extension of their investigation.
(snip)

The sticking point had been over the presidential office's refusal to allow audio or video recordings of the questioning, resulting in a breakdown in negotiations last week, Lee said. Prosecutors had sought to question Park as a suspect, he said.

The corruption scandal erupted last year over accusations that Park colluded with a friend, Choi Soon-sil, to pressure big businesses to donate to two foundations set up to back the president’s policy initiatives. The scandal has led to weekly protests by tens of thousands of Koreans, not only those who want Park gone but also some who want to see her stay in power and blame North Korean agents for the political instability. Park, 65, was stripped of her powers after parliament's impeachment. She cannot be prosecuted while she remains president.
(snip)

Prosecutors could issue up to another 15 indictments on Tuesday, including of Lee and other Samsung Group executives. Their findings were expected to be disclosed by Friday at the latest.
(snip)