Prosecutors launch an appeal against the release of Former Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Cheng Wen-tsan on NT$5 million bail.
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A vehicle from the Taoyuan District Court delivered urgent appeal documents to the High Court before noon on Monday. Former Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦), accused of corruption during his tenure as Mayor of Taoyuan City, had been released on NT$5 million (USD$154,000) bail on Saturday, prompting immediate prosecution appeal.
The Taoyuan District Court received the appeal on Sunday and within an hour of the workday Monday, the court had compiled and dispatched the documents. A staff member personally delivered the prosecution's appeal.
Cheng's release has sparked public skepticism. Accused of accepting bribes while in office, his bail decision has been questioned, with the prosecution arguing that the judge's ruling was inappropriate. Minister of Justice Tseng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙) emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice.
If the High Court orders a new detention hearing, the case will return to the Taoyuan District Court, possibly resulting in a reversal of the bail decision or an increase in the bail amount. If the appeal is dismissed, the High Court will uphold the original decision. The High Court's final ruling and rationale are eagerly anticipated by the public.