Prosecutors from a special investigative division of Taiwan’s Supreme Court have concluded their investigation into corruption allegations against Taiwan’s ex-president Chen Shui-bian, and 13 others, including Chen’s wife. Chen was indicted on December 12.
The prosecutors said they would recommend the heaviest punishment for Chen and the former first lady.
The charges include money laundering, forgery and several instances of graft. Chen Yun-nan, spokesman for the special prosecutor’s office, believes Chen’s crimes are major, the amount of money involved has no precedent, and that Chen had repeatedly attacked the legal system during the investigation process.
The prosecutors also believe the former first lady had made use of her position to intervene in politics, disrupt the government system and embezzle properties.
The Chen’s son and daughter-in-law were also indicted in the “special state affairs” fund embezzlement case.
Taiwan’s Prosecutor General ,Chen Tsung-ming, indicated that after Chen’s case had been transferred to the Taipei Local Court, he would re-apply for the detention of Chen.
Ker Chien-ming, the convener of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, appealed to the court to release Chen on bail, because currently, all Chen’s meetings with his lawyers are under video surveillance, which is considered a serious violation of Chen’s judicial rights.
Chen was released on bail on 13th December.
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