Aides immediately sent her to hospital.

Wu arrived in the court at 9:25am. After about one and a half hours of cross examinations and interrogations, Wu said she was uncomfortable and needed a rest, than collapsed on her way to a neighboring courtroom.

Wu denied all the charges when the judge asked her if she was guilty or not.

Chen is accused of embezzlement, document forgery and perjury, involving 14.8 million New Taiwan dollars (US$448,500).

Besides, prosecutors claim to have evidence that indicts Taiwan leader Chen on charges of graft and forgery of documents in connection with a secret office fund, but his status as leader renders him immune from criminal charges and a formal indictment against him will have to await the end of his term in office in 2008.

Another five people including Chen's close aide Ma Yong-cheng were indicted on charges involving the alleged misuse of the funds.