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Court to hold more hearings on Chen's corruption case

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-26 09:30

TAIPEI -- Taipei court said on Wednesday it will hold an additional four days' hearing in March on the corruption case of Taiwan's former leader Chen Shui-bian, following a three-day hearing beginning Tuesday.

Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian (L) leaves for the Taipei District Court from the Tucheng Dentention Centre in Taipei County, February 24, 2009. [Agencies]

The judge spent the whole day Wednesday listening to questions raised by Chen's lawyer on the testimony of 18 witnesses. Local media reports said Chen and his lawyer were using the procrastination tactic.

Chen's tactic resulted in the judge's decision to hold more hearings on the case, scheduled for the fourth, 10th, 11th and 18th of March.

Related readings:  Chen denied charges at Taipei hearing  Chen attacks prosecutors as trial opens  Taiwan ex-leader goes on trial in graft charge  Former Taiwan leader in third day of fast

On Tuesday's hearing, Chen talked about bribery and sex scandals of other politicians in Taiwan, but 70 percent of people surveyed by local media did not believe Chen's words.

This round of court hearing will enter the third day on Thursday.

Chen and his wife are accused of taking bribes worth 100 million NT dollars (US$29 million) and US$6 million in a corporate land procurement, and the couple are also allegedly involved in deceivingly pocketing over 104 million NT dollars of special funds. Chen and his collaborators are also accused of laundering the illegal income.