TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan High Court (台灣高等法院) revoked the original bail ruling Friday (Sept. 12) in a high-profile corruption case involving former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇) concerning the controversial Core Pacific City (京華城) development project. The appellate court remanded the case for reconsideration after prosecutors successfully challenged the initial bail decision, citing serious concerns over potential violations of court-imposed restrictions. This dramatic reversal highlights escalating legal troubles for Ko, a prominent political figure and former presidential contender.
The Taipei District Court (台北地院), Taiwan's lower trial court, had previously granted bail at NT$70 million (around US$2.3 million) for Ko and NT$30 million (around US$992,000) for Ying while requiring electronic ankle monitoring devices. Prosecutors aggressively challenged this lenient decision, presenting evidence that Ko allegedly contacted key witnesses Chen You-cheng (陳宥丞) and Chen Zhi-han (陳智菡) after his release, directly violating explicit court directives prohibiting witness contact.
The original court imposed comprehensive restrictions on Ko and Ying's movements, including prohibitions on changing residence, international travel, maritime departure, and any contact with co-defendants or case witnesses. Legal proceedings continue evolving in this politically sensitive corruption investigation, while the high court's decision to overturn bail terms demonstrates the serious nature of the allegations. The judicial reversal emphasizes Taiwan's commitment to maintaining courtroom integrity and ensuring defendants comply with legal restrictions regardless of political status. ◼