TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) walked free Monday (Sept. 8) after posting NT$70 million (around US$2.3 million) bail, ending his detention. The Taipei District Court (台北地方法院) had approved his release Friday (Sept. 5), marking a significant turning point in Taiwan's most closely watched political prosecution. Ko's freedom represents the culmination of months of legal battles that have captivated Taiwan's political establishment and his devoted grassroots supporters.
Ko's wife, Chen Pei-chi (陳佩琪), revealed that Ko planned to visit his mother immediately following his release from custody. Chiang He-shu (江和樹), a central committee member of the TPP, mobilized supporters to travel to Taipei to welcome their political leader home. Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安) and Acting Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan (邱臣遠) arranged to accompany Ko to pay respects to his father at Eternal Hill (永恆之丘), demonstrating solidarity within Taiwan's third-largest political party.
TPP's current Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) announced Sunday (Sept. 7) that preparations for Ko's bail were complete and urged supporters to gather at the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office at 1 p.m. Monday. Prosecutors had argued vigorously for continued detention, citing concerns about potential interference with the ongoing investigation. The court ultimately found insufficient grounds to continue holding Ko, rejecting the prosecution's arguments in a decision that sent shockwaves through Taiwan's legal community.
Ko submitted the NT$70 million (around US$2.3 million) bail earlier Monday morning to ensure smooth proceedings and avoid any procedural delays. Under Taiwan's Code of Criminal Procedure, bail can be refunded under specific conditions, including an acquittal or a non-prosecution decision. Ko retreated to his hometown in Hsinchu, where he plans to remain until the next phase of the judicial process unfolds, maintaining a low profile. At the same time, his legal team prepares their defense strategy. ◼.