Subheading: Court ruling allows Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je to send resignation letter while still in custody
Taipei — In a significant development on Friday, the Taipei District Court granted permission to Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman, to send a resignation letter to his party despite his ongoing detention for over 100 days. Ko, who has been held incommunicado without charge, sought to formally step down from his position, which the court deemed to be unrelated to the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in the Core Pacific City bribery case.
Court’s Decision: Resignation Letter Only
Ko’s detention has sparked controversy due to his inability to contact the outside world, including his party members. The Taipei District Court ruled that his request to send a resignation letter to TPP Secretary-General Vincent Chou (周榆修) would not interfere with the investigation. Despite the restrictions placed on Ko’s communications, the court determined that the letter did not pose a risk of collusion or interference with the case.
Ko’s legal team had recently filed a request for the lifting of certain communication restrictions, specifically to allow him to send the resignation letter. The court’s decision came after consulting with Taipei prosecutors, who concluded that the act of sending the resignation letter was not linked to any illegal activities.
Investigation and Further Developments
Although Ko is allowed to communicate his resignation to the party, the court emphasized that this permission only applies to his resignation letter and does not extend to other forms of communication. The investigation into the bribery case, which allegedly occurred during Ko’s tenure as Taipei Mayor, remains ongoing.
Ko was summoned for further questioning on Friday morning, arriving at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office after an eight-hour interrogation the previous day. Prosecutors are expected to conclude their investigation by next week.
The ruling raised concerns within the TPP, with party officials arguing that internal party matters, such as Ko’s resignation, should be decided by the party itself, not the court. As of the ruling, the Taiwan People’s Party has yet to receive the letter, but the court confirmed that Ko’s resignation would take effect once submitted.
Key Facts:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Court’s Ruling | Ko Wen-je is allowed to send his resignation letter to TPP. |
| Resignation Process | Ko’s resignation will automatically take effect once submitted to TPP. |
| Investigation Status | Ko is being investigated for alleged bribery during his tenure as mayor. |
| Court’s Decision | The resignation letter does not interfere with the ongoing investigation. |
| Ko’s Detention | Ko has been detained for over 100 days in New Taipei’s Tucheng District. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Ko Wen-je detained?
Ko Wen-je is currently detained in connection with his alleged involvement in the Core Pacific City bribery case. He has been held for over 100 days without charge, with restrictions placed on his communications.
2. What is the court’s decision regarding Ko’s resignation letter?
The Taipei District Court has granted Ko permission to send a resignation letter to the Taiwan People’s Party, but this does not allow other forms of communication.
3. What is the Core Pacific City bribery case?
The Core Pacific City bribery case is an ongoing investigation into allegations that Ko, during his time as mayor of Taipei, was involved in a bribery scandal related to the development project of the Core Pacific City.
4. How did the Taiwan People’s Party respond?
The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) expressed concerns that the court was making decisions about its internal matters, such as Ko’s resignation, instead of the party itself.
5. When will the investigation conclude?
Prosecutors have indicated that they expect to conclude their investigation into Ko’s involvement in the bribery case by next week.
Conclusion: A Major Political Development in Taiwan
Ko Wen-je’s resignation letter from the Taiwan People’s Party marks a significant moment in Taiwanese politics. Despite his ongoing detention, the decision to allow him to send his resignation letter highlights the complexity of the case and the tensions between the Taiwan People’s Party and the legal system. As investigations continue, Taiwan will closely monitor how this case unfolds and impacts the nation’s political landscape.
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