Update Aug. 31, 2024, 1:05 pm
Taipei District Court denied Ko Wen-je's petition on Saturday noon. He was sent back to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office but still has the right to appeal.
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei District Court held a habeas corpus hearing Saturday (Aug. 31) morning to review the legality of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s (柯文哲) arrest after he refused to continue a nighttime interrogation.
A habeas corpus hearing allows a person whose liberty is restricted to request a court review of the legality of their detention or arrest, according to the Habeas Corpus Act. A judge can be immediately requested to intervene and review the legality of the detention or arrest, per CNA.
Taipei District Court accepted Ko’s petition, conducted a review, and issued a writ of habeas corpus. The prosecutor's office transferred Ko and the case files to the court.
Taipei District Prosecutors Office presented its arguments and the court will review the legality of the arrest. It will issue a ruling on the habeas corpus petition.
Ko refused to continue his interrogation at Taipei District Prosecutors Office early morning after a few questions, the prosecutor's office stated. Ko said he was too tired from being interrogated by the Agency Against Corruption the previous day (Aug. 30).
Taipei District Prosecutors Office argued that Ko is suspected of favoritism under the Anti-Corruption Act. It was believed that he could collude with others if released before completing the interrogation.
It pointed out the prosecutor issued an on-the-spot arrest order under the Code of Criminal Procedure. Ko was informed of his rights and was given an arrest notice.
Ko and his lawyer exercised their right to a habeas corpus hearing and filed a petition with the Taipei District Court.
Another Pacific Core defendant, Ko's former Taipei City Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng (彭振聲) underwent an overnight interrogation by prosecutors. Pong is also suspected of favoritism.
Taipei District Prosecutors Office has filed a motion with Taipei District Court to request an incommunicado detention for Pong.
