Taipei: Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je, currently detained on corruption charges, was temporarily released from prison late Saturday for medical treatment. The Taipei Detention Center reported that Ko experienced discomfort at 6:40 p.m., leading to his transfer for off-site medical care due to his classification as a "high risk health case." He was returned to the detention center at 11:57 p.m. after doctors assessed that his condition was stable and did not necessitate hospitalization.

According to Focus Taiwan, Ko has been experiencing symptoms associated with kidney stones, including vomiting and bloody urine, over the past week. Despite his lawyers' attempts to secure his release for medical treatment, the Taipei District Court extended his detention by two months on Friday, citing concerns of potential flight, collusion, or evidence tampering.

Ko, who has been detained since last September, was indicted in December for offenses related to bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust, allegedly committed during his second term as Taipei mayor from 2018 to 2022 and during his 2024 presidential campaign. He has denied the charges and made his first trial appearance on March 21.

On Saturday, TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang filed a legal petition at the Taipei Detention Center, requesting Ko's hospitalization. Huang and TPP supporters demonstrated outside the prison, displaying a banner demanding Ko's release and vowing to stay until they received a response. Initially, the detention center deemed Ko's condition insufficient for off-site care but later permitted his temporary release after he reported feeling unwell.

As of midday Sunday, no further updates on Ko's health status have been provided.