Former President Chen Shui-bian has been granted medical parole for an initial period of one month. The Justice Ministry’s decision came on Monday after a review committee concluded that he should be given better treatment for progressive neurodegeneration.
Chen is a member of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP); he served as president from 2000 to 2008. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges of corruption and has already served more than six years.
Chen was released on Monday afternoon.
Deputy Justice Minister Chen Ming-tang said life in prison has had a damaging impact on the former president’s health.
“Neurological degeneration takes place in different parts of the brain," said Chen. "As the treatment he has been receiving has limited effects, the former president will be removed from the current living environment so as to make some progress. Also, because he is severely physically and mentally challenged, the [health conditions] meet the requirements for not being able to receive proper care in prison.”
While the former president’s medical parole is initially for just one month, it is possible for the period to be extended. The deputy justice minister said the ministry’s Agency of Corrections will visit the former president at least once a month and that the medical parole will be revoked if there are any probation violations.
Meanwhile, the DPP said it’s pleased with the government’s decision. DPP Secretary-General Joseph Wu said it’s a sign of the government’s willingness to set aside political differences and respects human rights, and that it would contribute to a more harmonious society.
However, Wu called on the public not to politicize the case, saying that the former president was granted medical parole on humanitarian grounds.