Chen Shui-bian Weasels Out of Serving More Time, For Now

Posted by david on Jan 5, 2015 in Blog | 0 comments

Medical parole, my foot!

He, his family, and his diehard supporters in the DPP have been trying to him get out on various pretexts since he was incarcerated for graft.  Sleep apnea is a non-life-threatening sleeping disorder that can be readily treated.  What does nerve degeneration involve and is it “life-threatening” too?

Despite their denials, his parole is definitely politically motivated!  No doubt he and his supporters will try to use the opportunity to create sympathy for a full pardon.  Watch how the soap opera plays out!

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Former Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian was released from prison on Monday on a one-month parole for medical treatment, amid pressure from pro-independence opposition leaders newly emboldened by victory in local elections six weeks ago. 

The temporary release comes less than half way through Chen’s 17-year jail term for corruption and while the parole does not explicitly restrict him from political activities, authorities said he was to use it mainly for recuperation.

Chen’s illness remains undiagnosed, but his supporters say it involves nerve degeneration and sleep apnea, and could be life threatening.

“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.”

He denied that the parole was politically motivated and said that there have been no discussions of a full pardon.

Chen’s release comes after the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ramped up a campaign for his parole, including a hunger strike by the former vice-president, following a major victory in mayoral and regional elections in late November.

– Reuters