Former President Chen Shui-bian, who is serving 20 years for corruption, has applied for medical parole. Chen’s lawyers submitted a new diagnosis Wednesday to the Ministry of Justice's Agency of Corrections.
The diagnosis concluded that Chen has serious depression and chronic neurological disease. His symptoms include stammering, trembling hands and urinary incontinence. The note also said that Chen needs to recuperate at home. One of Chen's lawyers said they hope the former head of state will be able to return home before Christmas.
The new filing came after the Ministry of Justice said Monday that if Chen were to make a new application for medical parole, the ministry's Agency of Corrections would consider enlarging the team to assess his suitability. They would include doctors recommended by the healthcare sector and Chen's own family.