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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Taiwan's Ex-President Chen Indicted

He's accused of taking millions in bribes; faces life in prison

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(AP) – Taiwanese prosecutors indicted former President Chen Shui-bian on graft charges today, a stunning blow for a man who rose to power in 2000 on promises to reform the island's corrupt political culture. Chen has been jailed since Nov. 12 on accusations of money laundering and other offenses, and he mounted a 16-day hunger strike. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

Also indicted today were Chen's wife, son, and daughter-in-law, three of his former aides in the presidential office, and eight other associates and family members. Prosecutors say he took $9 million in bribes and embezzled more than $3 million from a special fund. The former president insisted that he was the victim of a political prosecution ordered by Ma Ying-jeou, who defeated Chen's successor in elections this year.

Posters of the former first family are seen discarded on the floor of a pressroom after prosecutors announce they had indicted former President Chen Shui-bian on corruption charges.
Posters of the former first family are seen discarded on the floor of a pressroom after prosecutors announce they had indicted former President Chen Shui-bian on corruption charges.   (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
Supporters hold candles and chant slogans outside of Tucheng Detention Center during a protest against former President Chen Shui-bian's indictment.
Supporters hold candles and chant slogans outside of Tucheng Detention Center during a protest against former President Chen Shui-bian's indictment.   (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
A supporter of Taiwan's former president, Chen Shui-bian, wears a band reading
A supporter of Taiwan's former president, Chen Shui-bian, wears a band reading "Stop Justice Crucify" and wipes tears during a rally Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, in Taipei, Taiwan.   (AP Photo)
This Nov. 11, 2008, file photo shows former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian raising his hands with handcuffs.
This Nov. 11, 2008, file photo shows former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian raising his hands with handcuffs.   (AP Photo)
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