TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei District Court (台北地方法院) ordered the detention of former Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and three others without visitation rights on Thursday (Jan. 2), leaving supporters outside the courthouse in tears. TPP Acting Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) expressed sadness, anger, and a commitment to clearing Ko's name.
Over 100 supporters, chanting words of encouragement, shared various opinions and called for concrete actions to support Ko. Huang arrived late at the courthouse to thank supporters for their presence. He questioned the prosecutors' motives, noting that the grounds for detention frequently changed.
Huang claimed that the road ahead would be tough, urging supporters to be brave and assist in proving Ko's innocence. Huang hoped that upcoming public trials would vindicate Ko and reveal how much judicial procedures have been undermined in Taiwan.
The TPP expressed regret regarding the Taipei District Court's decision. The party condemned President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) political interference in the judiciary and the persecution of opposition parties. TPP called on President Lai to exercise restraint, stop using judicial tools to target political opponents and ensure an impartial judicial environment.
