TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) returned to Taipei Detention Center around midnight on Saturday after reportedly feeling unwell earlier in the evening.

As Ko is considered a high-risk medical case, the detention center said he qualified for off-site treatment at a nearby hospital under the supervision of prison staff. After a doctor’s evaluation, Ko did not meet the threshold for hospitalization, CNA reported.

The Taipei District Court emphasized it has never denied a defendant access to medical care. It said Ko’s health check showed normal results, and a physician continues to monitor his condition inside the detention center.

Ko had also been permitted a hospital visit on Thursday, following claims by his wife, Chen Pei-chi (陳佩琪), that he was suffering from hematuria (blood in the urine). She warned the condition could lead to kidney damage if left untreated.

The court recently extended Ko’s detention by another two months, effective April 2, citing concerns he may attempt to destroy evidence or collude with other defendants. Three others also had their detentions extended: tycoon Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), former Taipei mayoral office head Lee Wen-tsung (李文宗), and Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇).

Ko’s health has drawn concern from supporters, including TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), who held a silent protest outside the detention center on Saturday night. Sitting in front of the facility’s main gate with a white cloth, Huang was soon joined by a large crowd of supporters, many of whom left written messages on the fabric.

Supporters had hoped for a glimpse of Ko, but he did not appear in public as he was transported under heavy guard. His request for medical deferment remains under review by the detention center’s medical staff.