Former Taiwan leader Chen given medical parole

(Xinhua/chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2015-01-05 14:17

Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian receives medical checkup on September 28, 2012 in Taipei. [Photo/IC]

Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian on Monday was released from Taichung Prison for one-month medical parole after serving more than six years in jail for corruption.

Chen, who has been granted medical parole Monday morning for failing health, was out of the prison around 15:30 and is heading home in Kaohsiung by car.

He will continue his sentence once his condition has stabilized, the judicial authority said at a news conference.

The authority approved his request for release during a review hearing, which started at 9 a.m. on Monday, as it deemed that Chen cannot receive proper treatment while incarcerated.

"His condition will be reviewed monthly and may be extended if his medical status does not improve," ministry of justice official Chen Ming Tang said while announcing the parole.

"The terms of his release do not limit his activities but it is to be used predominantly for medical recuperation."

Chen was sentenced to 20 years in jail in 2013 for embezzlement, bribery and money laundering in relation to mergers and acquisitions for some Taiwan financial institutions. He has been in custody since November 2008.

The 64-year-old has repeatedly requested medical parole as his health has deteriorated in recent years. The authority established a medical team in December to assess the former leader's health.

According to a report by the team, Chen is suffering from mental function deterioration, sleep apnea and incontinence, and it was recommended that he could be better treated at home.

During his month-long prison leave, penitentiary officials and medical staff will monitor his health and when his condition has improved, he will have to return to prison.

Chen's family are finishing the required procedures to secure his temporary release.