Former presidential candidate and Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je has been indicted on corruption charges, with prosecutors seeking up to 28.5 years in prison. The 65-year-old politician is accused of accepting $500,000 in bribes related to real estate dealings during his mayoral tenure and misreporting campaign finances from his recent presidential bid.
Ko, who has denied the allegations, was arrested in September and remains in detention. He is among 11 individuals being prosecuted, including several members of his Taiwan People’s Party who face charges of misappropriating political donations.
The indictment comes after Ko’s significant showing in January’s presidential election, where he secured over 25% of the vote, finishing third behind the ruling Democratic People’s Party candidate Lai Ching-te, who received 40%. Ko had positioned himself as an alternative to Taiwan’s two main parties, criticizing the DPP’s approach to Beijing relations while also questioning the Kuomintang’s deference to mainland China.
Ko’s political career began with support for the 2014 anti-Beijing Sunflower Movement, leading to his election as Taipei’s independent mayor. During his second term, he notably shifted his stance, expanding the city’s ties with mainland China. Known for his unconventional style and controversial statements, Ko had planned to pursue the presidency again in 2028.
The charges have sparked protests from Ko’s supporters, who allege political motivation behind the prosecution. The case presents a significant challenge to the Taiwan People’s Party and the alternative political movement Ko represents.
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