Disgraced cloning expert convicted for embezzlement and false claims

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - 08:07 in Psychology & Sociology

National hero cleared for fraud but gets two-year sentence for embezzling research funds and illegally buying human eggs A disgraced cloning expert who falsely claimed major breakthroughs in stem cell research was handed a suspended two-year prison term today for embezzlement and other charges connected to the scandal. Hwang Woo-suk, 56, once considered a national hero in South Korea, was cleared of the main charge of fraud but was convicted of embezzling research funds and illegally buying human eggs for his research. Prosecutors had asked for four years in prison, but Judge Bae Ki-yeol of Seoul central district court said Hwang had shown remorse and gave him a suspended sentence, sparing him jail time if he stays out of trouble for three years. Hwang, who appeared confident as he walked into the hearing, made no comment as he left the courthouse. The verdict marked the culmination of a...

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