TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) released an official statement following the arrest of party leader Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office on Saturday (Aug. 31). 

In the statement, the TPP says that Ko has been “framed with fabricated charges despite his cooperation” with authorities. The party also alleges that before his arrest, prosecutors and journalists may have colluded to sway public opinion by leveling baseless allegations against Ko.

The TPP calls on the Judicial Yuan to exercise “independence and impartiality” as they “fairly deliberate the judgment.” The statement includes four main points, the first of which is Ko has been committed to public service throughout his time as a public official. 

The second point refers to the Core Pacific City property case, which the TPP claims Ko’s municipal administration handled in accordance with the law and in cooperation with the relevant authorities. The third point criticizes Taipei City Prosecutors’ handling of the case and Ko’s arrest, with the TPP suggesting the prosecutors colluded with news media to “cast premature judgment” by insinuating Ko has accepted bribes and that his family has access to unexplained funds.

The final point is that Ko has fully cooperated with authorities, but he has been arrested on fabricated charges. The statement also affirms the TPP’s support of their former chairman, as he seeks to prove his innocence through a fair legal process.   

At a press conference on Sunday (Sept. 1), TPP party leaders discussed the arrest and further criticized the conduct of Taipei prosecutors. Wu Yi-hsuan (吳怡萱), spokesperson for the TPP’s emergency response group, told reporters that prosecutors had violated the privacy of people and groups related to the case by divulging details to the media, reported UDN. 

The TPP’s primary criticism of the investigation is the accusation Ko and his family possess large amounts of “unexplained funds,” which were allegedly obtained via illegal means. However, the TPP says that neither the Taipei Prosecutors Office nor media reports have provided evidence of such funds. 

Another statement by the TPP on Sunday alleged prosecutorial misconduct by officers searching the TPP party headquarters. The party says that investigators searched locations unauthorized by their warrant. 

Since Ko’s arrest on Saturday, several of Ko’s supporters have gathered outside the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to protest his arrest. About 200 people gathered early Sunday afternoon, with more expected to arrive throughout the afternoon and evening, per UDN.