TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Authorities resumed the high-profile Core Pacific City corruption case (京華城案) proceedings at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) on Tuesday (Aug. 12). Taiwan People's Party (台灣民眾黨) Secretary-General Chou Yu-hsiu (周榆修) and Kuomintang (國民黨) legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯) delivered flowers to the office, mocking what they called the judiciary's political bias. The court summoned former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), businessman Sheen Ching-Jing (沈慶京), and Keelung Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin (邱佩琳) to testify. They face questions about a NT$6 million (around US$200,000) political donation.
Chou criticized the government's focus on persecuting political figures instead of addressing pressing issues like tariffs and disaster prevention. He stated that the Prosecutors Office should "turn over a new leaf." Hsu echoed these sentiments, urging the prosecutors to reform and questioning the lack of evidence behind Ko's prolonged detention and the absence of concrete proof for allegations involving "cold wallets" and Bitcoin.
Supporters cheered as Ko arrived in a prison vehicle, creating a dramatic scene outside the courthouse. Sheen, a key figure in the case, arrived at the courthouse in a suit and hat, using hand gestures to respond to reporters' inquiries. Deputy Mayor Chiu appeared at the courthouse this morning, greeted the media briefly, and entered to provide testimony, primarily concerning Ko's political donations.
The court scheduled afternoon testimony from Hsieh Chu-ming (謝明珠), Ko's former chief of staff during his tenure as Taipei mayor. Investigators revealed Ko and Sheen held 15 secret meetings, including three private encounters in the mayor's office. Hsieh will testify about her knowledge of these clandestine meetings and their potential significance to the case.
>> Legal proceedings discussed in this article remain ongoing; all individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
