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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Ex-Taiwan Prez Convicted of Corruption, Sentenced to Life

Chen Shui-bian and wife both found guilty of embezzlement, taking bribes

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(AP) – The former president of Taiwan was convicted of corruption and sentenced to life imprisonment today, marking a watershed event in the island's turbulent political history. Chen Shui-bian, president from 2000 to 2008, was charged with embezzling $3.15 million from a special presidential fund, receiving bribes worth at least $9 million, money laundering, and other charges. His wife was also convicted and sentenced to life.

The verdicts came as hundreds of supporters demonstrated outside a downtown Taipei court, holding flags and banners saying "free him" and "Chen's innocent." Chen chose not to attend today's proceedings. He has been confined to a suburban Taipei jail since late last year, after prosecutors convinced judges not to free him following his indictment.

Supporters demand the release of former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian outside of the district court today in Taipei, Taiwan. Chen was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Supporters demand the release of former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian outside of the district court today in Taipei, Taiwan. Chen was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.   (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
Taiwan former President Chen Shui-bian is seen behind barbed-wire at the Tucheng Detention Center in Taipei County, Taiwan.
Taiwan former President Chen Shui-bian is seen behind barbed-wire at the Tucheng Detention Center in Taipei County, Taiwan.   (AP Photo)
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian, left, and his wife Wu Shu-chen cast their ballot in the legislative election at a voting station in Taipei, Taiwan, in this file photo last year.
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian, left, and his wife Wu Shu-chen cast their ballot in the legislative election at a voting station in Taipei, Taiwan, in this file photo last year.   (AP Photo/Wally Santana, File)
Chen insisted that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Chen insisted that the charges against him were politically motivated.   (AP Photo)
Supporters demand the release of former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian outside of the district court today in Taipei, Taiwan.
Supporters demand the release of former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian outside of the district court today in Taipei, Taiwan.   (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
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2 comments
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WallyEFunk
Sep 11, 09 10:35 AM CDT
If only if we can do that to politicians and corporations in all country's . Reply
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Mad
Sep 11, 09 3:01 PM CDT
In ancient Roman times, at the end of a politicians career, they would publicly review his record. If fitting, he retired to a life of respect and grandeur. However, if he was judged incompetent, he was banished. Bush and Cheney are grateful we don't do that here Reply
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