TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) expressed regret on Sunday (Dec. 29) over the Taipei District Court's (北院) decision requiring Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) to post NT$70 million bail and undergo electronic monitoring. The TPP accused the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (北檢) of political manipulation aimed at undermining third parties and pledged full support for Ko in defending his innocence. The party lamented the increased financial burden, emphasizing Ko's lack of flight risk.
Ko faces charges related to the Core Pacific City (京華城) and political donations cases. The court initially set his bail at NT$30 million, but the High Court (高院) returned the case for a revised decision. On the same night, the district court increased the bail to NT$70 million with electronic monitoring. The party criticized the prosecution's assumption that Ko might influence party officials to alter testimonies, arguing this approach infringes on human rights.
Party officials decried the prosecution's tactics aimed to detain Ko to secure testimonies despite witnesses already testifying under oath. The party described this as evidence of political interference, hindering Ko's ability to resign as chairman since September. Regarding Ko's resignation, the party acknowledged his intention to step down to avoid impacting party operations due to political persecution. According to party regulations, they plan to convene a temporary central committee meeting to address the matter.