TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An estimated 50,000 people gathered in Taipei on Saturday to call for the release of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) following his indictment on corruption charges.

The protest, organized by the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), which Ko founded in 2019, received support from the Kuomintang (KMT). However, the KMT’s most prominent leaders were notably absent, with Yunlin County Chief Chang Li-shan (張麗善) expected to be the party's sole speaker at the event, according to CNA.

Ko faces allegations of accepting bribes from Core Pacific Development Group in exchange for approving an illegal expansion of the floor area ratio on one of its projects. The Taipei District Court ruled twice to release Ko on bail, but repeated appeals by prosecutors resulted in him being returned to detention on Jan. 2.

Acting TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) accused the government of judicial interference to ensure Ko’s detention. The TPP selected Jan. 11 for the protest as it coincides with Judicial Day in Taiwan.

Despite the bitter cold, organizers estimated that 50,000 people gathered at Liberty Square during the afternoon, UDN reported.