Wu Shu-chen, the wife of Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian, is
unlikely to attend the second session of her trial on corruption
charges in Taipei on Friday due to her physical condition.
According to Taiwan media reports, doctors have advised Wu not
to attend the trial because she is still weak and her blood
pressure might drop suddenly if she remains seated for long
periods.
A spokesman in Chen's office said Wu's attendance would be based
on the advice of her doctors on Friday.
The court has not received any confirmation yet, but was willing
to cooperate within the framework of law if Wu's medical team made
any requests, a spokesman with the court said Thursday.
She could apply for leave from the court if she needed to, he
added.
Wu passed out during the first session of her trial last Friday.
Doctors said her body temperature and blood pressure were lower
than normal. She has been in hospital since.
Wu, paralyzed from the waist down following an accident in 1985,
has been ill with low blood pressure and stomach problems.
She is accused of embezzlement, forgery of documents and
perjury, involving 14.8 million New Taiwan dollars
(US$448,500).
But she pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.
Prosecutors also claimed to have evidence to indict Taiwan
leader Chen on charges of graft and forgery of documents in
connection with a secret office fund, but his status as leader
renders him immune from criminal charges and a formal indictment
against him will have to await the end of his term of office in
2008.
(Xinhua News Agency December 22, 2006)