Ko Wen-je Jailed for Corruption

Ko Wen-je, former Taipei City mayor and founder of the Taiwan — Taiwan People s Party, was sentenced to 17 years in prison by the Taiwan — District court (Taiwan) for taking over NT$17 million in bribes related to a property development and misusing over NT$68 million in political donations for the Taiwan — Taiwan People s Party and a linked company, as well as NT$8.27 million for a social welfare foundation. He was also banned from running for public office for six years. Ko Wen-je, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2022 and ran for president in 2024, has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming political persecution. His supporters, including Kenny Yang, protested outside the court. Huang Kuo-chang, the current chairman of the Taiwan — Taiwan People s Party, also described the charges as politically motivated. The verdict significantly impacts Ko Wen-je's political future and the Taiwan — Taiwan People s Party's standing in Taiwan's political landscape.