Taipei, Feb. 8 (CNA) Former President Chen Shui-bian’s dream to spend the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday with his family was shattered Monday when the Taiwan High Court ruled that he remain in custody for another two months.

The three-judge panel decided to continue holding him at a detention center because many issues related to pending corruption and money laundering charges must still be investigated and clarified.

Both Chen and his wife Wu Shu-jen were sentenced to life in prison on Sept. 11, 2009 by the Taipei District Court and fined NT$200 million (US$6.13 million) and NT$300 million, respectively, on several counts of corruption, including embezzling money from a discretionary state affairs fund and taking bribes from local businessmen.

The high court panel took charge of Chen’s case on Sept. 24 after he appealed the ruling. The panel ruled that same day that Chen should remain in custody for another three months.

On Dec. 17, 2009, the high court extended his detention for two more months on the grounds that he might abscond if released.

The former president was first detained Nov. 12, 2008 and was released Dec. 13 following his indictment.

He was detained again on Dec. 30, 2008 after the Taipei District Court approved a request by prosecutors to take him back into custody, and he has not been released since. (By Chen Yi-wei and Sofia Wu)

More Info: http://www.taiwanheadlines.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=179531&CtNode=39