TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Members of the Taiwan People’s Party and supporters of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) plan to gather outside the Taipei District Prosecutors Office on Monday to greet him upon release.

The court agreed Friday to grant bail to Ko for NT$70 million (US$2.28 million), but he decided to consult lawyers and deferred making a decision until Monday. On Sunday, TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) said the party is prepared to assist in securing Ko’s release, and that party lawyers will do what they can to persuade him to accept the offer and post bail, per CNA.

Ko was reportedly hesitant to pay the large sum because he did not want to owe any favors. In December 2024, the Taipei District Court reversed a similar bail offer after prosecutors successfully lobbied the Taiwan High Court to reject the lower court’s decision.

Citing the financial burden, Ko postponed his decision on whether to post bail until a Monday afternoon meeting. On Sunday, Huang expressed confidence Ko could be persuaded to post bail and be released.

Huang said he would use any means necessary to persuade Ko and secure his release, per CNA. Ko is expected to prepare a speech for supporters upon release, according to Huang.

The TPP is reportedly mobilizing supporters through social media to gather at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office. UDN reported that at least 300 people from Taichung plan to make the trip to “welcome Ko home.”