Ko Wen-je corruption case: Two defendants' electronic monitoring extended

Former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je faces a lengthy prison sentence of 17 years following a first-instance trial on corruption and other charges. The case has been appealed, and the high court is now handling the proceedings, though a date for the first hearing has not yet been set.

In a preliminary decision, the high court ruled to extend the electronic monitoring for two defendants, Li Wen-juan and Duanmu Zheng, by eight months. Their current monitoring period was set to expire on June 14.

Lawyers for Li Wen-juan argued that her sentence was not severe, that she had posted a NT$1.5 million bail, and lacked the financial means or background to flee the country. They contended that electronic monitoring was unnecessary. Similarly, Duanmu Zheng's defense cited his non-heavy sentence, NT$1 million bail, and the need to care for his elderly mother as reasons against continued monitoring.

However, the high court cited the risk of defendants absconding due to Taiwan's island geography. The court stated that even with high bail amounts, some individuals may abandon their affairs and flee. The judges concluded that the current monitoring, which includes regular phone check-ins and location tracking, is more effective at preventing flight than simple bail or travel restrictions, thus justifying the eight-month extension.