High court extends Chen's detention to two months

The custody extension to June 23 means he will not be freed before the Taiwan High Court hands down a verdict on his corruption trial on June 11.

The ex-leader was banking on his family's promise to transfer NT$700 million back to Taiwan in return for his release on bail.

But the court, which had hinted that the return of the money could play a significant role in the bail decision, said Chen must remain in custody, as the sum has yet to be transferred to Taiwan, and it is still possible for Chen to flee.

He is appealing with the high court against the life sentence given him by the Taipei District Court for corruption.

Kaohsiung County Magistrate Yang Chiu-hsing, after visiting Chen at the Taipei Detention Center, questioned the high court's detention decision.

Yang, from the Democratic Progressive Party, said it is impossible for Chen to flee Taiwan, and there is no longer any reason to keep him in custody.

The magistrate urged the court to observe Chen's human rights by granting him bail.

The high court last week already heard the closing statements of both the defense and prosecution in the last sitting of the appellate trial.

In a bail hearing that immediately followed the last trial session, Chen told the court that his 500-day detention had been more than enough.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

PrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email