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S Korea Sewol ferry crew trial to start South Korea Sewol ferry crew go on trial
(about 3 hours later)
The trial is set to begin of 15 crew members from the South Korean Sewol ferry, which capsized causing the deaths of 292 people in April. Fifteen South Korean crew members have gone on trial over the deaths of at least 292 people in a ferry disaster.
Captain Lee Joon-seok, 69, and three crew members are being accused of "homicide through wilful negligence". Captain Lee Joon-seok, 69, and three others are being accused of "homicide through wilful negligence". The remaining crew face lesser charges.
The trial will focus on Mr Lee's escape from the sinking ferry while hundreds of passengers remained trapped inside.The trial will focus on Mr Lee's escape from the sinking ferry while hundreds of passengers remained trapped inside.
Most of the victims were school students, and many of their relatives have travelled to be at the court. Most of the victims of the April disaster were school students, and many of their relatives are at the court.
If convicted, Mr Lee and three crew members could be handed the death penalty, but observers say it is extremely unlikely it would be carried out.If convicted, Mr Lee and three crew members could be handed the death penalty, but observers say it is extremely unlikely it would be carried out.
Eleven other crew are being tried on lesser charges of criminal negligence and maritime law violations.Eleven other crew are being tried on lesser charges of criminal negligence and maritime law violations.
A nationwide manhunt is also under way for fugitive Korean businessman Yoo Byung-Eun, who is believed to own the Chonghaejin Marine company that ran the sunken ferry.A nationwide manhunt is also under way for fugitive Korean businessman Yoo Byung-Eun, who is believed to own the Chonghaejin Marine company that ran the sunken ferry.
His daughter Yoo Som-Na, 47, was detained in May at her home in Paris under an international arrest warrant.His daughter Yoo Som-Na, 47, was detained in May at her home in Paris under an international arrest warrant.
Authorities are also searching for his eldest son, Yoo Dae-Kyun, offering a $100,000 for information leading to his arrest.Authorities are also searching for his eldest son, Yoo Dae-Kyun, offering a $100,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Mr Yoo is wanted for questioning on possible charges of embezzlement and criminal negligence.Mr Yoo is wanted for questioning on possible charges of embezzlement and criminal negligence.
Prosecutors have offered a $500,000 cash reward for information leading to Mr Yoo's arrest.Prosecutors have offered a $500,000 cash reward for information leading to Mr Yoo's arrest.
'Akin to murder''Akin to murder'
Analysts say there are concerns that the crew will be unable to receive a fair trial in the district court in the south-western city of Gwangju.Analysts say there are concerns that the crew will be unable to receive a fair trial in the district court in the south-western city of Gwangju.
The ferry disaster caused an outpouring of public anger, and there have been calls for severe punishment for the crew.The ferry disaster caused an outpouring of public anger, and there have been calls for severe punishment for the crew.
President Park Geun-hye condemned the conduct of some of the crew of the ferry, calling it "akin to murder".President Park Geun-hye condemned the conduct of some of the crew of the ferry, calling it "akin to murder".
She also told family members that those responsible for the ferry sinking would be "punished severely".She also told family members that those responsible for the ferry sinking would be "punished severely".
The confirmed death toll from the South Korea ferry disaster has reached 292, with 12 passengers still missing.The confirmed death toll from the South Korea ferry disaster has reached 292, with 12 passengers still missing.
Prosecutors say the ferry owner ignored safety warnings and allowed the ship to be overloaded.Prosecutors say the ferry owner ignored safety warnings and allowed the ship to be overloaded.
Authorities are still investigating whether the ship sank from overloading and changes in the structure of the ship.Authorities are still investigating whether the ship sank from overloading and changes in the structure of the ship.