TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) expressed the hope Saturday (July 13) that former Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) would receive the opportunity to explain his side of recent corruption allegations, while expressing respect for the judiciary.

The Taiwan High Court on Friday (July 12) confirmed a two-month detention for Cheng after two previous bail decisions were overturned at the request of prosecutors. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politician was accused of accepting bribes in a land development case when he served as mayor of Taoyuan between 2014 and 2022.

As long as the case was being investigated, the government would respect the judiciary's work, Cho told reporters. He added that Cheng’s side of the issue should be heard, so that the case could be quickly solved and the public can find out the truth, per CNA.

Cheng maintained his innocence, but resigned as chair of the Straits Exchange Foundation after the allegations became public. Deciding to keep Cheng detained incommunicado for two months, the Taiwan High Court said there was a risk that he would contact suspected accomplices and witnesses.