Taipei court sets bail for Ko Wen-je at NT$70 million

In a recent development, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang has expressed concern over the NT$70 million bail set for former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, stating it might be unacceptable for him.

The Taipei District Court ordered the release of Ko and Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying on NT$70 million and NT$30 million bail respectively. If they are able to post bail and have ankle bracelets installed, they could be released as early as today. Both individuals will be monitored through ankle bracelets equipped with a GPS tracking system, and are confined to their registered residences, banned from overseas travel for eight months, and prohibited from seeking case-related information from codefendants or witnesses.

The court approved Ying's release on bail first, followed by Ko. TPP Secretary-General Chou Yu-hsiu stated that whether Ko Wen-je would agree to be released on bail is a challenge for the party. If released, Ko and Ying would join the other defendants in the Core Pacific City corruption case who have already been released on bail.

Chou Yu-hsiu also stated that there would be no problem with the party's decision-making after Ko Wen-je's release. The TPP is seeking judicial justice alongside Ko and all citizens after a formal ruling is received and all relevant procedures are done. They have thanked the court for "returning the right to receive a fair trial" to Ko.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has respectfully stated that they respect judicial investigations, according to party spokesperson Han Ying. KMT Chairman Eric Chu hoped the trial would be based on evidence and professional legal judgement. Former Taipei Mayor and KMT Vice Chairman Hau Lung-bin considered the bail conditions disproportionate and humiliating for a former mayor.

The case has been described as "malicious political persecution" by Huang Kuo-chang. Witness Pong Cheng-sheng finished his testimony early, and the extra time was used to question Ko and Ying about whether their detention should be extended. The search results do not contain information about the name of the person who filed the TTP to act as a lawyer for Ko Wen-je in preparing the bail.

As of now, both Ko and Ying are still in detention, with their detention set to end on Oct. 1. The outcome of their decision regarding bail remains uncertain, adding a layer of intrigue to this ongoing case.