TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei District Prosecutors Office responded to accusations of misconduct by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) in the ongoing investigation of former Taipei Mayor and TPP Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) after his arrest on Saturday (Aug. 31). 

Following Ko’s arrest, the TPP leveled strong criticisms against the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for their handling of the investigation. The accusations included improper searches, interrogation procedures, and collusion with news media, which violated Ko’s privacy and the principle of impartiality. 

The Taipei Prosecutors Office responded on Sunday (Sept. 1) to the TPP by saying they had no involvement with media reports on the case, and that their investigation has been carried out in full accordance with the law, reported CNA. 

In regards to the allegation investigators leaked details of the case to certain news media outlets to influence public opinion, prosecutors denied leaking any information and claimed the reports cited by the TPP were published independently. According to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, journalists did not have access to warrants or data related to the investigation.  

In response to the allegation of unfair interrogation practices, prosecutors said that they offered Ko the opportunity to rest between interrogation sessions, but Ko refused these opportunities. After nearly 19 hours of interrogations, Ko was reportedly arrested and placed incommunicado after he refused to answer questions on the Core Pacific City property case. 

The TPP described the long interrogation as an attempt by prosecutors to cause Ko to become fatigued so that he might incriminate himself. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office said the TPP mischaracterized the facts of the situation, claiming there was no violation of standard procedure. 

The Taipei Prosecutors Office also rejected accusations that their search of the TPP headquarters was unlawful, per CNA. Their statement emphasized that Ko’s case is being handled in accordance with the law.

Prosecutors noted that the decision to hold Ko incommunicado was approved by the court. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office pledged to strictly abide by due process and pursue the investigation objectively based upon the evidence collected.