Prosecutors question ex-president Chen over graft allegations

The 57-year-old Chen has refused solid food since early Nov. 12 - the day judges ordered him jailed. He denies allegations of money laundering and taking bribes and says the government of President Ma Ying-jeou is persecuting him for his anti-China, pro-independence views.

Ma, who took office in May after term limits forced Chen out, wants to step up engagement with Beijing, much to Chen's dismay. China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949.

TV pictures showed three prosecutors arriving at Tucheng Jail early Friday afternoon, though prosecution spokesman Chen Yun-nan would not confirm they were there to question Chen.

Earlier Friday, jail official Lee Ta-chu said Chen was still refusing food and only drinking water.

Chen was rushed to a hospital late Sunday after suffering from an irregular heartbeat. He was discharged and returned to jail Wednesday.

Chen has not been charged with a crime. He can be held up to four months without being indicted under a law intended to prevent suspects from colluding with alleged co-conspirators.

Eight other people, including a former vice premier and an intelligence chief, have also been detained in connection with Chen's case.

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