Former KMT lawmaker released on bail in alleged Chinese interference case

Kaohsiung, Jan. 10 (CNA) Former Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Chang Hsien-yao (張顯耀) was released on NT$1 million (US$32,129) bail Wednesday after being questioned on suspicion of being involved in cases of Chinese interference in the Jan. 13 elections, according to the Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office.

The prosecutors said Chang was questioned on Tuesday on suspicion of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act and the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, however, it was deemed that keeping him in custody was not necessary.

Chang was therefore released on bail of NT$1 million Wednesday. Prosecutors said they were still investigating the case and did not provide further details.

Prosecutors in Kaohsiung have been investigating several cases of individuals, including township and village chiefs, traveling to China for trips paid for by the Chinese government in what they say could be an attempt to sway people towards voting for certain candidates or parties in the upcoming elections, or even to promote "unification" ahead of polling day.