TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chen Pei-chi (陳佩琪), wife of former Taiwan People's Party (民眾黨) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), criticized authorities on Monday (Feb. 24) for not allowing designated times for detainees to attend family funerals. She questioned whether the law prohibits detainees from attending their father's farewell ceremony.
Ko's father, Ko Cheng-fa (柯承發), passed away on Feb. 17, while Ko Wen-je was still under detainment at the Taipei Detention Center (台北看守所) due to his alleged involvement in the Core Pacific City case. Vicky Chen (陳智菡), director of the TPP legislative caucus, later confirmed the family scheduled the farewell ceremony for March 10.
The Taipei Detention Center responded on Monday that it processes home visits for detainees based on a careful assessment of visitation safety and detention order maintenance, adding that they have not yet received an application for this case. The "Detention Act" (羈押法) Article 23 allows detainees to visit home for a direct relative's death with the warden's approval, requiring a return within 24 hours.
The center stated that applications should be submitted from the date of death until two days before the funeral. If they receive an application, they will review it according to regulations and principles and choose a safe and appropriate time for the home visit.
