Chen was cited as saying that local news crews have been dogging his daughter Hsing-yu for more than a year, and she certainly cannot tolerate it anymore.

"He is very worried about Chen Hsing-yu having a nervous breakdown, and hopes the media will show her mercy," said Liang Chen-hsiang after visiting the ex-president at the Taipei Detention Center.

Chen, who had voiced fear over the possibility of Hsing-yu killing herself, said he saw her loss of control from TV and newspaper coverage, as well as alleged discrimination against one of his grandsons over his elementary school admission.

"I insist that I'm innocent. But I'll bear whatever hardship there is all on my own. Don't blame my children and grandchildren," he was cited as saying.

Hsing-yu turned hysterical Thursday when she was mobbed by news crews grilling her for comments on the prosecutors' ban on her leaving the country.

She, who may be unable to study in the United States because of the ban, then chased and tried to hit some cameramen.

Chen has written a letter to President Ma Ying-jeou, asking him to help lift Hsing-yu's travel ban, for fear that she might kill herself.

But Ma on Thursday reiterated that he is not in a position to help although he understands Chen's concern.

Ma, speaking in Panama where he was making an official visit, said as president he is not allowed to interfere with judicial affairs.

He confirmed that he had received Chen's letter, but he repeated the answer that his spokesman had made on his behalf earlier this week.

Asked if he would write back to his predecessor, Ma he has already made his stance clear, and sees no "urgency" to send Chen a letter.