“Unlike ordinary people, the accused has many personal contacts and possibilities to flee,” court spokesperson Wen Yaoyuan said. “He and his family have many resources abroad, and could lead a comfortable life outside the country.”
According to sources inside the court, Chen said he knew of secret pathways out of the country, but noted that they were available only to the incumbent president.
He also explained that he could not access his family’s foreign bank accounts because they were frozen when he was arrested.
In the meantime, Chen’s lawyer, Chen Wen Lung, announced that he would file another appeal.
Chen Shui-bian, who was sentenced to life in prison on 11 September for embezzlement and money laundering, is again on trial for corruption.
In prison since 30 December 2008, Chen insists he is the victim of a political plot orchestrated by Beijing and sponsored by current President Ma Ying Jeou.