Taiwan's Chen indicted on corruption charges

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-13  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

TAIWAN prosecutors indicted the island's former leader Chen Shui-bian on graft charges yesterday, a stunning blow for a man who rode to power eight and a half years ago on promises to end official corruption.

Prosecutor Lin Che-hui said Chen could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty on all charges.

Chen, his wife Wu Shu-chen, son Chen Chih-chung, daughter-in-law Huang Jui-ching and 10 others were indicted on charges including corruption, money laundering, embezzlement and forgery.

Chen and his wife are accused of embezzling NT$104 million (US$3.15 million) in public funds and accepting about US$9 million in bribes in a land purchase deal.

Chen's wife is also accused of taking a US$2.7-million kickback from a construction project.

Their son, daughter-in-law and the others allegedly assisted in concealing the crimes and transferring the money to overseas bank accounts.

Despite the accusations, Chen had shown no remorse during the investigation and had attacked the judicial system again and again, prosecution spokesman Chen Yun-nan said.

"So we are seeking the most severe punishment for him," the spokesman said.

Prosecutors are also seeking a heavy sentence for his wife for "using her status to interfere in politics and rake in money and undermining the system."

Since the investigation is still under way, Chen will continue to be detained, said Prosecutor General Chen Tsung-ming.

Hsu Wun-Pin, a Taiwan lawyer, said the corruption case against Chen and his family is not only a shame for the defendants but also a humiliation for the Taiwan public. The island's image has been badly tarnished, he said.

"The evidence provided by the prosecutors is complete and precise, and the Taiwan people will see clearly that it is a judicial case instead of 'political persecution' as claimed by the defendant," Hsu said.

Chen, 57, has been held in a suburban Taipei jail since November 12. He is expected to mount a defense against the corruption charges once a trial begins.

Since Chen's detention, the corruption scandal has galvanized Taiwanese from all walks of life.

Chen went on a hunger strike the day of his incarceration but began eating again after 16 days.

His wife has enraged the courts by missing 17 court appearances since her indictment on graft charges in November 2006, citing poor health.