Shanghai Daily | 上海日报 -- English Window to China News

TAIWAN'S former leader Chen Shui-bian was released from custody early yesterday on his own recognizance after a month's detainment and indictment on corruption charges.

Waiting for a verdict on his trial, Chen was banned from leaving the island and eliciting public for support, pledging that he would appear at any moment for summons.

Leaving the Taipei District Court to return to his home in Taipei, Chen said he would keep his promise to the prosecutors and judges.

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) under Taiwan's prosecution authorities indicted the former leader on Friday 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 yesterday, following a four-hour hearing that began on Friday night.

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.

Prosecuting spokesman Chen Yun-nan said they were seeking "the severest punishment" for Chen and a heavy sentence for his wife.

Chen had shown no remorse during the investigation and attacked the judicial system time and again, the spokesman said.