The trial against Wu Shu-chen, wife of Taiwan leader Chen
Shui-bian, who is facing charges of graft, is likely to be
concluded in mid-June, chief prosecutor Chang Hsi-huai said on
Friday at the ninth session of the high-profile trial.
"The case is not complicated at all," said Chang. "If the
examination of all the receipts goes smoothly, the trial will end
around China's Dragon Boat Festival (June 19)."
Wu was once again absent from court on Friday, the eighth
consecutive time she has claimed to be too ill to attend.
Friday's trial continued the examination of more than 2,000
receipts in the case, comparing the originals with copies obtained
by lawyers. Wu's absence did not affect proceedings, said the
prosecutor.
Wu feinted during the first session of her trial on December 15.
She is accused of embezzlement, forgery of documents and perjury,
involving 14.8 million New Taiwan dollars (US$448,500). She has
pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Prosecutors also claim they have evidence to indict Chen
Shui-bian on charges of graft and forgery of documents in
connection with a secret office fund, but his status as leader
renders him immune from criminal charges and a formal indictment
against him will have to wait until the end of his term of office
in 2008.
(Xinhua News Agnecy March 3, 2007)