The Taipei District Court (TPD) has ruled to release former Taipei City Mayor and TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on an increased bail amount of NT$70 million (USD$2.1 million) and stipulated that Ko must wear an electronic ankle monitor. The revocation of the previous bail and retrial was ordered by the Taiwan High Court on Sunday.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office (TPC) indicted Ko for embezzling political donations and for his involvement in the Core Pacific City scandal. Following his release on bail of NT$30 million (over US$915,000) last Friday, the TPC filed an appeal. According to the High Court, the TPD’s original decision failed to include crucial explanations regarding bail amount and detainment of the four individuals involved in the crime. On this basis, the original ruling was revoked.
Bail for Core Pacific Group Chair Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying (應曉薇), and Ko's campaign headquarters financial director Li Wen-tsung (李文宗) has been increased to NT$100 million (USD$3 million), NT$30 million, and NT$20 million (over US$610,000), respectively. All three, in addition to Ko, are restricted from leaving the country by air or sea and their activities will be monitored via electronic tagging. They also are not permitted to contact defendants or witnesses involved in the case.
Regarding Ko’s resignation as TPP chairman, the party released a statement saying they will convene a temporary central committee per standard constitutional procedure. TPP legislators expressed their dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling and reiterated their support for Ko.