(LEAD) Prosecutors likely to indict Park next week in corruption probe

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead, throughout with prosecution's briefing)

SEOUL, April 12 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors said Wednesday they are likely to indict ousted President Park Geun-hye next week in relation to the corruption scandal that removed her from office.

"Monday is the most likely," a senior prosecutor said during a regular press briefing, when asked when they will indict the former president.

She was arrested late last month as a criminal suspect in a string of corruption allegations including bribery, abuse of power, coercion and leaking government secrets.

Prosecutors have been accelerating their probe to wrap it up before the race for the May 9 presidential election goes into full swing with the launch of the official campaign period slated for Monday.

They carried out the fifth questioning of the former president since she was arrested at a detention center south of Seoul. Prosecutors have been interrogating Park there in consideration of Park's mental condition and security issues.

The senior prosecutor said Wednesday's inquiry will be the last of the country's former leader before they level former charges against her.

scaaet@yna.co.kr
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