Wu Shu-chen, wife of Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian, did not attend the third session of her trial on corruption charges in Taipei on Friday.

Taipei court held third hearing of corruption charges against Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian on Friday. His wife Wu Shu-chen, applied for leave due to her physical condition.

Wu fainted in court shortly after the opening of her trial in Taipei on Dec. 15 and was rushed into a nearby hospital, causing the court proceedings to be suspended for a few minutes.

She has been in hospital since then and was absent from the second hearing held on Dec. 22.

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

(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2006)