The Taiwan High Court yesterday handed down its final sentences on two relatives of former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) after they withdrew their appeals against earlier guilty verdicts.
Former first lady Wu Shu-jen’s (吳淑珍) brother Wu Ching-mao (吳景茂) and his wife, Chen Chun-ying (陳俊英), were sentenced to two years in prison, five years’ probation and a fine of NT$3 million (US$100,000) by the Taipei District Court in September last year for laundering money for the former first family.
The pair filed an appeal on the ruling to the Taiwan High Court.
During yesterday’s hearing, Chen Chun-ying told the judges that she had hurt her spine, which made it difficult to sit for long periods of time.
In light of that development Chen said that the journey from Tainan to Taipei for regular hearings would be too difficult for her and so asked permission to withdraw the couple’s appeals.
The judges later agreed to the request and announced that the sentences from the district court would be upheld.
Having pleaded guilty to the money laundering charges during the first trial, the couple are eligible for suspended sentences.
Wu Ching-mao, however, said he hoped the High Court would reduce the fines by half.
Taipei District Court sentenced Chen Shui-bian and his wife to life in prison in September last year.
The court found Chen and his wife guilty of embezzlement and taking bribes totaling NT$800 million, some of which was laundered overseas through Swiss bank accounts and paper companies.
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