TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan High Court on Wednesday rejected former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s (柯文哲) appeal, confirming the extension of his detention.

Ko is indicted in the Core Pacific City case, where he is accused of bribing officials to influence Taipei City Government's adjustment of the project's floor area ratio and embezzling funds intended for his 2024 presidential campaign. Despite his objections, the High Court upheld the two-month detention extension and the communication ban, per CNA.

Ko was indicted on Dec. 26 for bribery, embezzlement, breach of trust, and benefiting from the abuse of public office. He faces up to 28 years and 6 months in prison.

Initially granted bail, Ko's release was overturned following an appeal by the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office. The Taiwan High Court ordered a re-evaluation.

On Jan. 2, the Taipei District Court determined that Ko and his co-defendants posed a significant risk of fleeing or destroying evidence, leading to an extension of their detention and a communication ban. As the detention period neared its end, the court extended both measures for an additional two months.

Ko had appealed, citing the lack of major criminal suspicion, no risk of fleeing or colluding, and the difficulty of recovering without medical treatment outside detention. However, the court found these claims insufficient and rejected the appeal.