Former Taiwan leader released
13/12/2008 12:41
TAIWAN'S former leader Chen Shui-bian was released this morning on his own
recognizance after a month's detainment and indictment on corruption charges.
Waiting for a verdict to his trial, Chen was banned from leaving the
island and instigating the public for support, pledging that he would appear at
any moment for summons.
Leaving the Taipei District Court back to his
home in Taipei, Chen said he would keep his promise to the prosecutors and
judges.
The Special Investigation Unit under Taiwan's prosecution
authorities indicted the former leader yesterday after finishing an
investigation into allegations Chen engaged in money laundering and other
offenses during his recently concluded time in office.
Although the
prosecutors asked for Chen's further detainment, the court agreed to Chen's
lawyers' request for bail early today, following a four-hour hearing that began
last evening.
Chen was detained on November 12 on accusations of money
laundering and misusing a special fund during his eight years in office. His
term ended in May.
Chen and his wife were found to have embezzled 104
million New Taiwan dollars (US$3.15 million) in public funds and accepted bribes
of about US$9 million in a land purchase deal.
His wife was also found
to have taken a kickback of US$2.7 million from a construction project,
according to prosecutors.
Their son, daughter-in-law and 10 others were
also said to have assisted in concealing the crime and remitting the money to
overseas bank accounts.
Prosecuting spokesman Chen Yun-nan said they
were seeking "the severest punishment" for Chen.
Despite his major
crimes, Chen had shown no remorse during the investigation and attacked the
judicial system time and again, the spokesman said. "So we are seeking the
severest punishment for him."
Prosecutors also recommended a heavy
sentence to his wife Wu for "using her status to interfere in politics and rake
in money and undermining the system."
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