Parliament votes to impeach President Park Geun-hye

Ms Park is now suspended from her position pending a final decision by the constitutional court

South Korea's parliament has voted to impeach President Park Geun Hye after a corruption scandal that has left her politically isolated and unpopular.

The parliamentary vote passed with more than a two-thirds majority: 234 for and 56 against.

Prosecutors say Park colluded in the criminal activities of a longtime confidante to manipulate government affairs and extort businesses.

The confidante, Choi Soon-sil, the daughter of a cult leader who mentored Park before his death, has been indicted on a string of charges including abuse of authority and attempted fraud.

The president is also suspected of having put pressure on top Korean companies,  including the electronics giant Samsung, to donate to two foundations controlled by Choi and allegedly set up to back Park's policy initiatives. 

Park, who has immunity from prosecution while in office, has repeatedly apologised but has refused to meet prosecutors investigating the scandal.

Source: News Agencies