Former Taipei Mayor and Taiwan People’s Party leader Ko Wen-je has been released from detention after a court in Taiwan found insufficient evidence to justify his arrest in a corruption scandal. The Taipei District Court ruled that prosecutors had failed to meet the standard of proving a “high possibility” that Ko had committed a crime. Ko, who was arrested in connection with alleged corruption in a shopping center redevelopment project in Taipei, maintains his innocence and stated that there is no evidence linking him to the scandal.
Ko, a former surgeon who entered politics in 2014 and founded the Taiwan People’s Party in 2019, has emerged as a key figure in Taiwanese politics, challenging the dominance of the Democratic Progressive Party and the Kuomintang. Despite only having eight legislators in parliament, the TPP has gained influence, with Ko himself receiving significant support in the last presidential election. However, his popularity has been affected by a campaign funds scandal, leading him to take a leave of absence from his party leadership role.
Many view Ko as a potential contender for future elections, with his support base primarily consisting of young people. While the recent corruption allegations have raised questions about his integrity, Ko’s release from detention and declaration of innocence may help restore his reputation as a key political figure in Taiwan’s evolving political landscape.
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