Taiwan’s ex-leader rushed to hospital

Taiwan’s former president Chen Shui-bian was being treated in hospital on Saturday, a doctor said, two days after he began a hunger strike in protest over his detention on corruption charges.

Television footage showed Chen being taken by ambulance to the Panchiao Hospital near the detention centre outside Taipei where he has been held since December.

“He is dehydrated and has been coughing. We recommend that he stay for examination and treatment,” deputy hospital director Yang Chang-ping told reporters.

Chen has not taken food or water since he was sent back to the centre on Thursday from a bail hearing after complaining of feeling unwell, officials have said.The judges hearing his case are now expected to make a ruling on bail on Monday, a court spokesman said. Under Taiwanese law, there are no limits on how long he can be detained.Chen, who left office last year after a maximum two terms as president, is accused of embezzling public funds, accepting bribes on a land deal, influence peddling, money laundering and forgery during his term.His wife, son and daughter-in-law have also been accused, in a far-reaching case that has captivated Taiwan for months.Chen, who as president often irked Beijing with his pro-independence policies, has vowed to continue the hunger strike until an anti-China rally set for May 17, to show his support .

-AFP