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Taiwan court extends ex-leader Chen's detention

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Taiwan's high court ordered Monday that former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian be held in custody for a further two months from Feb. 24, rejecting his appeal to unite with his wife and mother.

Chen Shui-bian[File photo]

Chen's detention was extended because his corruption case had just entered a substantive hearing process and because a series of complicated details needed "sorting out," according to procurators.

Procurators said there are still doubts concerning Chen's embezzlement case that need to be clarified. At the same time, details of the other charges Chen faces are still complicated.

Chen had appealed to be allowed to join his wife and mother, who Chen said were not in good health. His lawyers had hoped he could spend the traditional Chinese New Year at home.

However, procurators insisted on prolonging custody out of fears Chen might flee.

Chen was sentenced to life in prison by the Taipei District Court in September 2009 for graft, embezzlement, money laundering and other abuses when he was in power from 2000 to 2008.

When the case was referred to the high court on Sept. 24, 2009, Chen was ordered to be held in custody for three months.

The court decided to extend Chen's custody for the first time in December. The current detention was scheduled to end Feb. 23.