Taiwan

Taiwan judiciary chief steps down amid corruption scandal

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-18 21:08

TAIPEI - Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou approved the resignation of Taiwanese judiciary chief Lai In-jaw Sunday, amid a corruption scandal involving senior judges and a prosecutor.

Lai said he would resign Friday. He submitted his resignation letter to Ma Saturday.

Ma accepted Lai's resignation after he met him Sunday.

"The graft case has had a serious negative impact on Taiwan's judicial prestige. I will take full responsibility," Lai said after his resignation was approved.

Lai resigned after three High Court judges - Chen Jung-ho, Lee Chun-ti and Tsai Kuang-chih - and prosecutor Chiu Mao-jung were taken into custody July 14 for allegedly accepting bribes from a former lawmaker, Ho Chih-hui, in exchange for a not guilty verdict.

Taiwan High Court chief Huang Shui-tung had already tendered his resignation to Lai. Lai said he would approve Huang's resignation as Huang expressed his determination Sunday morning.