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Ho claims `oppression' over indictment

Chinese Nationalist Party Lawmaker Ho Chih-hui, left, indicted on charges of corruption, theft and breach of trust, arrives at Taipei District Court yesterday after being summoned by the court. PHOTO: CHEN TSEH-MING, TAIPEI TIMES

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Lawmaker Ho Chih-hui (何智輝) yesterday said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government was trying to oppress him by indicting him in a case that was closed almost 10 years ago.

"The case was investigated a decade ago but prosecutors decided not to indict me and closed the case. Now, the case has been reopened and I have been indicted. Can't you call it political oppression?" Ho said.

Ho made the remarks when appearing at Taipei District Court.

Most of his comments at court had nothing to do with the case. He did, however, tell judges that from this point forward he will report to court whenever summoned.

"I will not take advantage of the immunity that I enjoy during a [legislative] session," he said.

As lawmakers enjoy immunity during legislative sessions, law enforcement officers cannot arrest Ho without the approval of the majority of 225 lawmakers in the house.

Taipei prosecutors indicted Ho on May 7 on charges of corruption, theft and breach of trust and recommended an 18-year sentence.

"The case was investigated a decade ago but prosecutors decided not to indict me ... Now, the case has been reopened ... Can't you call it political oppression?"

Ho Chih-hui, KMT legislator

Ho did not respond to court summonses and was declared a fugitive after missing three hearings and three arrest attempts. He has been living in Shanghai since the indictment.

According to the indictment, Ho took advantage of his position as Miaoli County commissioner in 1995 to obtain a loan from the Hsinchu Commercial Bank to help fund his wife's legislative campaign.

The bank allegedly gave him a NT$300 million loan despite his poor credit history, which was a violation of the Securities Transaction Law (證券交易法).

The indictment alleges that in 1997, Ho, in his role as the commissioner, illegally pressured his subordinates into approving a construction proposal submitted by Chiu-chun Development Co, even though the company had failed to provide a complete environmental protection plan for the project. Prosecutors say Ho received a NT$320 million bribe from the company in exchange for his help in getting the proposal approved.

Ho is also alleged to have used his connections in 1999 to obtain a NT$200 million loan from the Kuo Hua Life Insurance Co.
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