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Diane Lee appears in court

Former KMT legislator Diane Lee (李慶安) made her first court appearance yesterday at Taipei District Court on charges that she defrauded the government of more than NT$100 million (US$3 million) in wages and benefits.

Lee admitted for the first time to possessing dual-citizenship from the US but pleaded not guilty to the charges of fraud and forgery.

Because both Lee’s husband and children reside in the US, the court affirmed the prosecutor’s decision to restrict her from leaving the country.

Earlier reports have shown that she co-owns a house in Maryland with her husband, who is a US citizen.

Lee left the court with her lawyer, who in a statement said that she was apologetic and concerned for the public.

Lee declined to comment.

She faces up to eight years in prison if found guilty.

Allegations of dual citizenship first surfaced after Next Magazine reported in March last year that Lee still possessed a valid US passport. In January, the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office received official confirmation from the US Department of State that Lee’s US citizenship was valid.

The Nationality Act (國籍法) prohibits government officials from holding dual citizenship and requires that those who are dual citizens give up foreign citizenship before assuming office.

Lee resigned from the KMT in December last year and left her legislative post early this year. The Central Election Committee subsequently revoked her election certificates dating back to her service as a Taipei City legislator.

It has been claimed that because of her previous ineligibility to work as a public employee, the wages and benefits she accrued over 10 years in her posts as a Taipei City councilor and a legislator were illegally obtained.

The legislature has promised that if Lee is found guilty, it will start proceedings to recover the wages.
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