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Taiwan's former president indicted for corruption

AFP

Former Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian shows his handcuffed hands to the media while being sent from the prosecutors’ office to the Taipei District Court 11 November 2008. Chen, an anti-China firebrand known for advocating Taiwan’s independence from Beijing, was indicted on a series of corruption charges.Reuters/Taiwan

Taiwanese prosecutors on Friday indicted former president Chen Shui-bian on a series of corruption charges, a spokesman said, adding they would seek the “severest punishment” for the island’s ex-leader.

Chen, his wife Wu Shu-chen and 12 others were indicted on corruption, money laundering, embezzlement and document forgery charges, the spokesman, Chen Yun-nan, told a press conference.

“We are seeking the severest punishment for Chen since the former president had breached his oath and showed no remorse during the investigation. He even attacked the judicial system,” the spokesman said.

“Chen’s wife meddled in politics for financial gains and destroyed the government system,” he added.

Their son and daughter-in-law were also charged with money laundering.

Chen, who left office in May after serving two four-year terms, is the first former Taiwanese leader ever to be indicted. He was detained one month ago.

Copyright © 2008 Agence France-Presse

Published in AFP/Yahoo News