Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) was released on bail around 1pm today, following the Taipei District Court’s ruling this morning to set the former Taipei mayor’s bail at NT$30 million (US$916,576).
Ko was met by TPP staff when he exited the detention center where he had been held for 114 days, returning home by car.
“I am not a corrupt person,” Ko said upon arriving home, and expressed gratitude to those who supported him during this troubling time.
Photo: CNA
“I thank God for giving me the chance to reflect on my life, which is not always easy,” he said.
He said his heart was not “filled with hatred” because of his detention, as he believes “positive energy” would make Taiwan a better place.
“I have to go home now. I want to be with my family and fulfill my filial duty. It is hard to explain in a few words. Let’s wait for the truth to come out,” he said.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
Yesterday, the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office indicted Ko and 10 others on charges of bribery, favoritism, embezzlement and other offenses under the Anti-Corruption Act (貪污治罪條例).
Prosecutors believe Ko received bribes and embezzled political donations and are seeking a total prison sentence of 28 years and 6 months, a deprivation of civil rights for 10 years and a fine of NT$50 million.
Ko and four other detained defendants last night were transferred to the court, who held a review hearing at 7:30pm to decide whether they should remain detained.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
A confrontation followed outside the court between police and TPP caucus whip Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), who requested access to the detention hearing, as well as other TPP legislators and supporters.
A video of Huang yelling at police was posted online, where netizens commented that he was “obstructing justice,” “pressuring police officers” and “acting like a madman.”
Early this morning, the court announced it had set a bail of NT$30 million for Ko and would restrict him from leaving the country or traveling overseas.
Photo: Tien Yu-hua, Taipei Times
Prosecutors announced that they would file an appeal with the High Court upon receiving the court’s decision.
There is a possibility Ko could face further detention, legal experts said.
Ko said he would not flee during the detention hearing, “because the TPP would be ruined otherwise.”
Huang said that the party would raise the funds to free Ko once banks opened today, “because Ko’s family does not have the money.”
Separately, Ko’s sister Ko Mei-lan (柯美蘭) called for donations to the party for Ko’s bail, sparking criticism that Ko would rely on public donations after being charged with corruption and embezzlement.
Party leaders said her actions were inappropriate, particularly mentioning the use of donations for Ko’s bail.
There are many battles ahead for Taiwan’s democracy and freedom, and he would continue to stand by Ko’s side, Huang said.
Ko was wronged throughout the entire investigation process and the prosecutors had fabricated charges, he said.
Prosecutors claimed Ko had accepted a bribe of NT$15 million, but could not specify where the money came from, Huang said.
Ko also continued to deny charges of accepting bribes and embezzlement during the detention hearing.
Ko has never diverted funds intended for public use for private use and has been “politically persecuted” by President William Lai’s (賴清德) administration, Huang said.
The Taipei City Police Department cleared the area in front of the court this morning at 9am to prevent the public from occupying the area.
The sidewalk on the opposite side of the road remained open and less than 50 Ko supporters had gathered there by 9am.
As of 10:30am, around 200 supporters had gathered at the Aiguo West Road and Boai Road intersection.
Meanwhile, defendants Pong Cheng-sheng and Lee Wen-tsung were set free on bail earlier in the day after paying their respective bails of NT$5 million and NT$10 million.
Additional reporting by Liu Wan-lin, Liu Ching-hou, Hung Mei-hsu and Yang Kuo-wen
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