TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Taiwan High Court on Sunday morning revoked a lower court ruling allowing Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and three others facing corruption charges to be released on bail.

The High Court said the lower court did not give detailed information about how the four defendants could be prevented from fleeing Taiwan. It also questioned whether the bail amounts were commensurate with the criminal proceeds the four individuals allegedly collected, per CNA.

The four individuals are TPP Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), finance chief of Ko's 2024 election campaign office Lee Wen-tsung (李文宗), Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇), and Core Pacific Group Chair Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京). 

The High Court did not challenge the release on bail of former Taipei Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng (彭振聲). It noted he had already admitted guilt and was cooperating with the investigation.

The High Court pointed out that Ying holds a foreign passport other than Taiwan and should be considered a flight risk. Due to these considerations, the High Court revoked the lower court’s decision and remanded the original court to reconsider its ruling.

The lower court’s initial ruling required the four to be restricted to their residence, and be barred from changing residences or going abroad. Furthermore, they are barred from contacting co-defendants or witnesses except for what is necessary for daily life and work.

A new ruling by the Taipei District Court could be delivered to the High Court as early as Sunday afternoon.