The fifth session of the high-profile trial opened in Taipei Friday morning. Wu Shu-chen is accused of claiming personal expenses, mainly the purchase of brand-name clothes and jewelry, from special government funds controlled by her husband.

The allegations involve goods valued at more than NT$14.8 million (US$448,500).

After fainting during the first session of her trial she was hospitalized and missed her next three court dates.

At yesterday's session, Chen's key aide, Chen Tan-sun, and four other officials were fined NT$30,000 each for failing to show up in court. They had been called to give evidence.

The court also rejected a prosecution request to search Chen Shui-bian's office, but ordered his office to release the controversial "secret documents" by January 23, local media reported.

Chen was given until Monday to appeal the court order.