TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Taipei Mayor and TPP Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) appealed his detention on Friday, following his indictment on charges of bribery, public malfeasance, embezzlement, and betrayal of public trust.
Ko contended the prosecution's claim of overwhelming evidence negated the need for his continued detention, per UDN.
In his appeal, Ko emphasized that his secretary, Hsu Chih-yu (許芷瑜), is a witness in the case, not a co-defendant. He argued that Hsu’s absence from Taiwan for further questioning does not impact the investigation.
Ko also pointed out the prosecution believed they had already presented clear evidence, which he believes renders any further detention unnecessary. He argued the mass subpoena of TPP donors and party officials has created a chilling effect, and claimed his detention violates human rights.
Ko requested the Taipei District Court allow defendants the opportunity to defend themselves. Ko’s co-defendants, including Core Pacific Group Chair Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), Ko’s 2024 election finance chief Lee Wen-tsung (李文宗), and Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇), also appealed their detentions, per CNA.
Sources suggested that Ko's legal team may have pushed him to file the appeal, believing it could improve his chances of acquittal. Politically, they argued, if Ko did not challenge the detention then it could weaken the TPP.
The TPP showed support for Ko’s appeal, arguing that he poses no flight risk and is unlikely to destroy evidence or collude with witnesses, per CNA. The party also criticized the detention as excessive, asserting that it should be a last resort.
The High Court had raised concerns over a planned trip to the US by Ko’s wife, Chen Pei-chi (陳佩琪), and their children in August, suggesting that Ko might attempt to flee. However, the TPP refuted this, pointing out that the trip was planned for June 2023, with return tickets already booked.
The TPP also highlighted Ko’s role as the party's chair and his responsibility for his ailing father as further evidence that he would not attempt to escape. Finally, the TPP criticized the High Court’s ruling for disregarding the defendant's rights and impinging on his freedom of movement.
TPP Acting Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) has announced a rally at Liberty Square with more than a dozen KMT legislators on Saturday to protest Ko's treatment, per CNA.
Ko was indicted in December and was briefly released on bail before being detained again Jan. 2.