Former Taiwan President Given Life Term for Corruption

Sep 14th, 2009 • Posted in: News

Chen Shui-bian says he is victim of political persecution

TAIPEI
Former Taiwan president Chen Shui-bian and former first lady Wu Shu-chen last week were sentenced to life in prison on various corruption counts.

The case against them centered on charges that they misused a special state fund, accepted bribes, and were involved in a money-laundering scheme, CNN reports.

It is widely assumed that the unexpectedly severe punishment was in retribution for widespread damage inflicted on the country, according to an analysis from the Economist.

But Chen’s supporters maintain that his sentence is excessive: “He was only charged with corruption, not murder, and is a former president,” noted one political commentator quoted by TIME.

Chen maintains that he is the victim of political persecution and was convicted under vague and nebulous laws.

Chen announced that he planned to appeal the verdict, reports the English-language daily Taiwan News.

Sources: Economist, Sep. 12 — CNN, Sep. 11 — Taiwan News, Sep. 11 — TIME, Sep. 11.

For more information, see: Related Newsline story, Mar. 30 — Related Newsline story, Apr. 28, 2008 — Related Newsline story, Dec. 31, 2007 — Related Newsline story, Sep. 24, 2007 — Related Newsline story, Aug. 20, 2007.

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