TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei District Court (台北地方法院) upheld its decision Monday (Sept. 15) to release former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇) on bail in the ongoing Jinghua City corruption case. The court maintained bail at NT$70 million (around US$2.32 million) for Ko and NT$30 million (around US$996,000) for Ying after a seven-hour hearing, rejecting prosecutors' appeal to revoke their release.
Ko's Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), Taiwan's third-largest political party, criticized the court's witness contact restrictions as overly broad and potentially limiting defendants' freedoms. The party emphasized the presumption of innocence principle, arguing Ko should not face restrictions on personal and communication freedoms. TPP officials highlighted Ko's year-long legal ordeal, pledging continued support for the former mayor and his family in defending his innocence.
The court determined the substantial bail amounts would exert sufficient psychological pressure on both defendants, serving as an effective alternative to continued detention. Prosecutors had sought to prevent Ko and Ying from contacting witnesses listed in the indictment. The court implemented a two-stage restriction system designed to balance legal requirements while avoiding excessive limitations on the defendants' constitutional freedoms.
The court acknowledged that some witnesses have not yet provided testimony but determined that previous depositions would prove adequate for future legal proceedings. Judges emphasized their ongoing commitment to reviewing detention necessity, noting they have questioned several witnesses since their July 21 decision to extend detention. The ruling reflects Taiwan's judicial system's careful balance between public safety and individual rights. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.123)