TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei District Court summoned former Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and former Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying (應曉薇) Monday (Sept. 15) for a crucial detention hearing. The court reconvened to address allegations in the contentious Core Pacific City corruption case that has engulfed both prominent political figures. This high-stakes judicial proceeding represents a pivotal moment in Taiwan's ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting senior political leaders.
Prosecutors filed their appeal Monday (Sept. 9), prompting the High Court to mandate a retrial Thursday (Sept. 12) after discovering witnesses had not completed cross-examination procedures. Ko arrived punctually at the courthouse that morning, displaying a stoic expression while deliberately avoiding media inquiries about the case. Court officials escorted both Ko and Ying to the courthouse's secure underground holding facility to await the detention hearing proceedings.
Ko and Ying previously secured their release by posting substantial bail amounts of NT$70 million (around US$2.31 million) and NT$30 million (around US$990,000) respectively, while submitting to electronic monitoring via ankle bracelets. The court has not disclosed Monday's hearing outcome, requiring both defendants to maintain their electronic monitoring devices until judicial authorities announce the panel's final decision.
The judicial panel's decision will determine whether Ko and Ying continue under bail conditions with electronic monitoring, potentially freeing them from ankle bracelet restrictions. Alternatively, the court could order detention without visitation rights, resulting in device removal and immediate transfer to the detention center. This binary outcome underscores the gravity of the Core Pacific City corruption allegations facing both former political leaders. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.300)
