TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Agency of Corrections (矯正署) assured on Thursday (Oct. 17) that Taichung Prison (台中監獄) dispatched personnel to gather evidence while former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) attended the National Day ceremony on Oct. 10.
Director-General Chou Hui-huang (周輝煌) reported that Chen received an invitation from the National Day Preparatory Committee, with the Presidential Office (總統府) also contacting him, despite the prison advising against his attendance.
At a legislative meeting Thursday, Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲) criticized Chen's participation, noting his decade-long medical parole and questioning his health recovery. Weng expressed concern over Chen's role as his daughter's legal representative and radio host, suggesting he returns to prison. She urged the Ministry of Justice (法務部) to consider public sentiment.
Legislator Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) also questioned whether Taichung Prison restricted Chen from hosting radio shows when many Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislators were featured. In response, Chou stated that Chen's social activities benefit his treatment, yet occupational therapy remains necessary.
Meanwhile, Weng also questioned the prolonged suspension of four legal cases against Chen, asking if prosecutors have sought to resume trials. Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙) confirmed that the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) repeatedly requested court proceedings.