Tight security for former first lady's court hearing

The Taipei District Court yesterday said there will be special security measures to protect former first lady Tseng Wen-hui (曾文惠) when she attends a court hearing on Monday afternoon.

To keep the courtroom a safe place during the hearing, the Taipei District Court ordered a limit to the number of members of the audience when the former first lady testifies.

"The security measures will be the same as when Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) last attended a court hearing," said Liu Shou-sung (劉壽嵩), spokesman for the Taipei District Court.

According to the special security measures, just 40 reporters and 30 other citizens will be allowed to enter the courtroom on Monday.

Those interested in attending the hearing must register at the court on Monday morning.

Cameras and other recording devices will not be allowed in the courtroom.

Normally, the public is welcome to sit inside the courtroom and watch a hearing or trial.

However, cameras and other recording devices will not be allowed.

Liu also said that the court will decide whether Tseng's security guards will be allowed to carry their weapons inside the courtroom.

"I don't think the judges will say yes, though," he said.

Tseng was accused by former New Party lawmakers Hsieh Chi-ta (謝啟大) and Elmer Feng (馮滬祥) of fleeing to the US with US$85 million in cash and other valuables inside her suitcase shortly after the presidential election on March 18, 2000.

Tai Chi (戴錡), a New Party member of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, also made the accusation.

Tseng, who denied the accusations, filed a slander suit on July 27, 2000, naming Hsieh, Feng and Tai.

She also asked for NT$300 million in damages from the trio for the disparaging remarks against her character.