The justice minister says if former President Chen Shui-bian’s health improves, he will return to prison. Chen was released on medical parole Monday and is being treated in his home in Kaohsiung.
Chen is serving a 20-year sentence for corruption. He has already served 6 years in prison. The former president has been suffering from a variety of ailments including depression and neurodegeneration.
Reporters asked Justice Minister Luo Ying-shay if Chen could participate in any events while on medical parole. Luo said that the main issue is still his health:
"This is not the angle we are looking at," said Luo.
"We are not that concerned with what he does. The issue is whether his health situation has changed."
Luo explained that Chen’s medical parole is for one month. If his condition does not improve, it can be extended for 1-3 months. In the future, the extension may be for 3 months at a time.
The justice minister also stressed Chen has not received any special privileges because of his status. She said the ministry is using the same standard it would use for medical parole of any prisoner.