Prosecutors file 2nd appeal against release of Ko on increased bail

Taipei, Dec. 31 (CNA) Prosecutors on Tuesday filed a second appeal against the Taipei District Court's decision to release Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on increased bail, citing his "substantial influence."

Granting Ko NT$70 million (US$2.13 million) in bail could potentially affect defendants and witnesses in the case, according to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office.

In addition to Ko, the appeal also challenges the release of three other suspects in the case -- real estate tycoon Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), Ko's former mayoral office head Lee Wen-tsung (李文宗), and Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇).

Ko, the TPP's 2024 presidential candidate, was indicted last Thursday on charges of bribery and other forms of corruption, in connection with real estate dealings during his second term as Taipei mayor from 2018 to 2022.

The court initially granted Ko NT$30 million bail, which allowed him to be released from nearly four months of detention while awaiting trial. However, prosecutors quickly filed an appeal, and on Sunday, the Taiwan High Court overruled the lower court's decision, ordering a reconsideration of the bail.

Following a detention hearing on Sunday evening, the Taipei District Court increased Ko's bail to NT$70 million with the condition that he wear an electronic monitoring tag.

Ko faces a total sentence of 28.5 years, including 15 years for bribery, 5 years and 6 years for separate cases of embezzlement, and 2.5 years for breach of public trust, according to the indictment.