The risk of flight and tampering with evidence lead the court to confirm Chen’s pre-trial custody. The former president has already received a life sentence on 11 September. His attorney announces another appeal.

Taipei (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Former President Chen Shui-bian was remanded into custody by an appeal judge after four hours of deliberation. Two weeks ago, Taiwan’s Supreme Court had ordered a new hearing to determine whether the accused should remain in jail based on the chances he would be flight risk or could tamper with evidence, which were the main reasons for the 24 September appeal court ruling.

“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.

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