TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Following a second day of questioning, prosecutors asked a court Saturday (Aug. 31) to detain former Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) incommunicado.

Ko has been investigated over a land development case, with the developer of the Core Pacific City complex suspected of having paid bribes to influence the Taipei City Government to adjust the floor area ratio of the project. The changes were approved by the city government during Ko’s period as mayor between 2014 and 2022.

Over the past two days, Ko and one of his former deputy mayors, Pong Cheng-sheng (彭振聲), faced questioning by prosecutors as defendants in the case. Ko’s wife, Chen Pei-chi (陳珮琪), and Pong’s wife were interrogated as witnesses.

After renewed questioning Saturday afternoon, prosecutors requested a court order to keep Ko detained for alleged involvement in a corruption case, CNA reported. During the day, leaders of his Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) gathered outside the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to express their support for his cause.

Late on Friday (Aug. 30), Ko refused to be questioned overnight, but was then arrested in a procedure which he appealed, but his objections were overruled.