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Former Taipei mayor sentenced to 17 years in prison
A Taiwanese court handed down a 17-year prison term to Ko Wen-je, the once-prominent politician and founder of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), after convicting him of corruption and misusing political donations. The 65-year-old, who served as Taipei mayor and ran for president in January, was found guilty of accepting bribes linked to a real estate transaction and falsifying campaign finance records.
Allegations and legal battle
Prosecutors had sought a 28-year sentence, alleging Ko received 17.1 million Taiwan dollars ($535,000; £400,000) in bribes. Ko, who was detained in 2024 and released on bail in September, has consistently denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang previously echoed this claim, suggesting the case was an attempt to sideline Ko.
Political career and 2024 election impact
Ko emerged as a significant force in Taiwanese politics by positioning himself as an alternative to the two dominant parties-the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). In the 2024 presidential race, he secured over 25% of the vote, trailing winner Lai Ching-te of the DPP by 15 points. Analysts noted his strong performance reflected voter demand for a more diverse political landscape.
During his campaign, Ko criticized the DPP for escalating tensions with Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, while also accusing the KMT of being overly accommodating to China. Despite his loss, he pledged to remain active in politics, with speculation he would seek the presidency again in 2028.
Reactions and protests
Ko's conviction has sparked outrage among his supporters, who accuse the DPP of weaponizing the legal system to suppress opposition. Outside the courthouse, supporter Kenny Yang told AFP the charges were a case of "political persecution."
"Regardless of the outcome, we will continue to support him and help him seek justice-that's certain. We cannot allow Taiwan to become a society without a sense of right and wrong, without justice."
Kenny Yang, Ko Wen-je supporter
What's next
Ko's legal team is expected to appeal the verdict. Meanwhile, the TPP has vowed to continue its political activities, framing the case as part of a broader struggle for fairness in Taiwan's democracy.
