TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Pingtung County Council Speaker Chou Tien-lun (周典論) was freed on bail of NT$1.5 million (US$46,000) Friday (July 12), almost seven months after being detained in a case related to Foxconn Technology founder Terry Gou’s (郭台銘) aborted presidential bid.

As an independent candidate, the tycoon needed endorsements from the public to appear on the ballot in the Jan. 13 election. During the campaign, several people were accused of buying the signatures of members of the public to support Gou. The businessman was not involved himself but later gave up his presidential bid.

At the hearing of the Pingtung District Court, prosecutors said Chou should remain detained, per the Liberty Times. His children and supporters protested outside the courthouse and called for his release.

Prosecutors have requested a prison sentence of at least five years for violating the Election and Recall Act, with the court scheduled to issue a verdict on Aug. 27.

Chou was accused of spending NT$5 million to buy signatures. He first paid local officials, who were intended to pass on NT$500 for each endorsement of Gou’s candidacy.