Taiwanese prosecutors on Thursday launched a new bid to detain the indicted former president Chen Shui-bian ahead of his trial on corruption charges. "We appeal on the ground that (Chen Shui-bian) could flee the country, conspire with the witnesses or destroy the evidence," Chen Yun-nan, prosecutors' spokesman told reporters.
Prosecutors filed the appeal to a district court in Taipei less than two weeks after their first attempt to lock Chen up was rejected by a panel of judges. The court was expected to make a decision within 24 hours. Chen was taken into custody on November 12 and was charged with embezzling government funds and laundering money one month later. He was released on December 13 pending trial.
His lawyer, Cheng Wen-long criticised Thursday's appeal and accused prosecutors of interfering with the trial procedure. "We are going back and forth with the appeals. We hope prosecutors will stop thinking that they can only investigate the case by detaining people," he said. Chen became the island's first former leader to face criminal prosecution when he was charged with corruption and money laundering, with prosecutors alleging he embezzled public funds and took bribes.
The 58-year-old, who rose to power eight years ago pledging to fight corruption, faces life in prison if convicted on all counts. Thirteen other people were charged in connection with the sweeping case, including Chen's wife, son and daughter-in-law.
The former president, who left office in May after serving the maximum two four-year terms as president, and his relatives have insisted they are innocent. Chen has repeatedly said the charges against him are politically motivated, accusing the China-friendly government of his successor, President Ma Ying-jeou, of leading a witch-hunt.
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