TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Deputy Minister of Justice Hsu Hsi-hsiang (徐錫祥) addressed the ongoing corruption investigation involving former Taoyuan Mayor and former Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) on Thursday (July 11), stating that he could not comment on specific cases but emphasized that prosecutors conduct investigations independently and without interference.
The investigation into Cheng's alleged corruption has seen multiple legal proceedings. The Taiwan High Court twice remanded the case for further review after Cheng was released on bail. The Taoyuan District Court announced it would reopen the detention hearing on Thursday at 2 p.m.
Given the history of the case, there has been significant attention on current Taipei District Prosecutors Office Chief Prosecutor Wang Jyun-li (王俊力), who twice closed Cheng's cases during his tenure as Chief Prosecutor of the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office. Some legislators have called for Wang to explain his decisions.
In response, Hsu defended the prosecutors' actions, stating that they based their cases on the evidence available at the time, free from political influence. He also addressed concerns about the seven-year delay in the case, noting that evidence collection takes time and that prosecutors exercise their judgment according to the law.
Hsu further remarked that both judges and prosecutors should be respected for their lawful exercise of authority, asserting that the number of appeals should not be the measure of a prosecutor's actions.
Observers will closely watch the developments in Cheng's case as the Taoyuan District Court reconvenes.
