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Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Chen probe flawed, says Taiwan ombudsman
A Taiwanese supervisory body on Wednesday called for the removal of two prosecutors working on the corruption case of former President Chen Shui-bian, accusing them of breaching ethics standards by having contact with Chen during the investigation.
A Taiwanese supervisory body on Wednesday called for the removal of two prosecutors working on the corruption case of former President Chen Shui-bian, accusing them of breaching ethics standards by having contact with Chen during the investigation.
The Chen case - arguably the most high profile in Taiwan’s history - has put great pressure on the prosecutor’s office. Some senior lawmakers have accused it of treating the former leader too leniently, while other Taiwanese have charged it with ethical and procedural lapses that could prejudice his right to a fair trial.
In its statement, the Control Yuan said the two prosecutors breached judicial ethics - both by meeting Mr. Chen at a social function and one by speaking with him on the phone as well.
“The two prosecutors should be removed from the case,” the Control Yuan said in a statement. “We are demanding the prosecutors’ office remedy the situation.”
The Control Yuan is a formal government body that has its origins in the Chinese political system, from which Taiwanese governmental practice is derived. It functions as a distinct branch of government, on the same level as the executive and the legislature.
Mr. Chen and wife Wu Shu-chen are on trial for embezzlement, money-laundering, and bribery. Mr. Chen has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Ms. Wu pleaded guilty Tuesday to forging documents and money-laundering.
Eight prosecutors are working on Chen’s case. The report named those suspected of contacting Chen as Wu Wen-chung and Chu Chao-liang.
Ms. Wu called himself a “victim” in the case but did not elaborate. There was no immediate comment from Chu.
The Control Yuan also called on prosecutors to stop leaking information on the case to the press.
Critics of the judiciary have pointed to the leaks as evidence it is trying to paint Chen in the worst possible light.
“It is common to see press stories about a move made by prosecutors in connection to the case immediately after the move took place,” the Control Yuan said. “The prosecutors’ office has failed to keep ongoing investigations confidential as required by law.”
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Chen probe flawed, says Taiwan ombudsman
Associated Press in Taipei
11 February 2009
A Taiwanese supervisory body on Wednesday called for the removal of two prosecutors working on the corruption case of former President Chen Shui-bian, accusing them of breaching ethics standards by having contact with Chen during the investigation.
The Chen case - arguably the most high profile in Taiwan’s history - has put great pressure on the prosecutor’s office. Some senior lawmakers have accused it of treating the former leader too leniently, while other Taiwanese have charged it with ethical and procedural lapses that could prejudice his right to a fair trial.
In its statement, the Control Yuan said the two prosecutors breached judicial ethics - both by meeting Mr. Chen at a social function and one by speaking with him on the phone as well.
“The two prosecutors should be removed from the case,” the Control Yuan said in a statement. “We are demanding the prosecutors’ office remedy the situation.”
The Control Yuan is a formal government body that has its origins in the Chinese political system, from which Taiwanese governmental practice is derived. It functions as a distinct branch of government, on the same level as the executive and the legislature.
Mr. Chen and wife Wu Shu-chen are on trial for embezzlement, money-laundering, and bribery. Mr. Chen has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Ms. Wu pleaded guilty Tuesday to forging documents and money-laundering.
Eight prosecutors are working on Chen’s case. The report named those suspected of contacting Chen as Wu Wen-chung and Chu Chao-liang.
Ms. Wu called himself a “victim” in the case but did not elaborate. There was no immediate comment from Chu.
The Control Yuan also called on prosecutors to stop leaking information on the case to the press.
Critics of the judiciary have pointed to the leaks as evidence it is trying to paint Chen in the worst possible light.
“It is common to see press stories about a move made by prosecutors in connection to the case immediately after the move took place,” the Control Yuan said. “The prosecutors’ office has failed to keep ongoing investigations confidential as required by law.”
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