TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is rumored to be preparing to pardon former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

Tsai is reportedly planning on issuing a pardon to Chen, before she leaves office on May 20, reported CNA. When asked by the media for comment, Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin (林聿禪) said on Tuesday (May 7) that the current position of the Presidential Office is to ensure that Chen receives proper health care and that it "is handled in accordance with legal regulations."

In 2010, Chen was sentenced to 20 years for multiple counts of corruption and served his sentence for over six years. However, due to medical conditions such as dementia, he was granted medical parole in 2015. 

Despite this, he has been seen in public over the past nine years, even appearing in court to assist his daughter in a legal battle. Chen's participation in the case has drawn criticism for crossing legal boundaries, undermining judicial dignity, and exacerbating social divisions.

Tsai has reportedly decided to pardon Chen before her term ends to address the controversies. Her staff has initiated the pardon process and is considering accompanying measures.

If Tsai pardoned Chen, she would be invoking Article 40 of the Constitution, which states, “The President shall, in accordance with law, exercise the power of granting general pardons, pardons, commutation of sentences and restoration of civil rights."