Key Facts
• Former leader of Taiwan’s People’s Party, Ko Wen-je, released on bail today.
• Arrested in August 2024 for alleged bribery during his tenure as Taipei mayor.
• Accused of increasing commercial facility floor area ratio in exchange for bribes.
• Prosecutors sought a 28-year, 6-month prison sentence.
• Bail set at 70 million New Taiwan dollars (~340 million yen).
• Conditions include an 8-month travel ban and mobile device monitoring.
• Ko Wen-je claims innocence, criticizing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
Summary
Ko Wen-je, former leader of Taiwan’s People’s Party and ex-mayor of Taipei, was released on bail today after being detained on corruption charges. Prosecutors accused him of accepting bribes in exchange for increasing the floor area ratio of commercial facilities during his mayoral term. While prosecutors sought a 28-year prison sentence, the court approved his release on a bail of 70 million New Taiwan dollars (~340 million yen). Conditions include an 8-month travel ban and mobile monitoring. Ko denied the allegations, asserting his and his party’s innocence while criticizing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
