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Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-hye said on Monday that her corruption trial is "political revenge in the name of the rule of law," Yonhap News Agency reported.
Park made the remarks during the first court hearing since her detention was extended last week for another six months.
It was the first time that she has spoken during a court hearing since she was arrested in March in the massive corruption scandal involving her long-time friend Choi Soon-sil.
She said the past six months have been a "horrible and miserable time" for her, as she appeared at court hearings four times a week.
She also insisted on her innocence. "I have never accepted or granted requests for favors while in office."
Park also said she and her defense lawyers felt helpless about the situation and that her lawyers had decided to quit.
But she said she would not give up, saying the truth will be revealed.
Park was removed from office and arrested in March on charges of bribery and abuse of power.
She stands accused of colluding with her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil in taking 43 billion won (37 million US dollars) from top conglomerates, including Samsung, and letting her friend meddle in state affairs.
(CGTN)
