concerning the lack of impartiality in the country’s judiciary. Chen said Friday that he might back off from his promise of resignation if his wife’s corruption case did not receive a fair trial.
The Taipei District Court has been hearing first lady Wu Shu-chen’s corruption case over her alleged mishandling of the presidential expense account.
The president has vowed to step down if his wife is convicted by the district court.
“But if the judiciary bases their judgment only on ‘colors,’ I will reconsider my promise of resignation if (my wife) is convicted at the district court trial,” said Chen in a televised interview.
He was referring to the different colors commonly associated with political parties, meaning the judges’ could make biased judgment because of their own political views.
He alleged that as many as 80 percent of the country’s judges might be pro-opposition.
But the opposition Kuomintang and People First Party said the judiciary should speak up to protest Chen’s accusations.
They said Chen was only trying to find an excuse not to honor his promise.
But lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party claimed Chen’s remarks represented the views of most of the people.
If judges fail to remain impartial, the judiciary does not deserve the people’s trust and respect, the DPP lawmakers said.
They urged the opposition to stop making a “political fuss” over Chen’s remarks.
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