Taiwan's Ex-president Chen

In surprise turnout, Taiwan’s former president, Chen Shui bian, who was on trial for corruption charges was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also fined $6 m.

He is convicted of laundering state funds and taking bribes by the district court in the capital Taipei on Friday.

Former first lady was also sentenced to life imprisonment by the court.

Chen’s supporters took the streets protesting the sentence and threw plastic bottles and garbage on police, demanding the release of their hero.

Many legal experts have expressed disappointment over the way this case was handled, saying that this could jeopardise a person’s right to fair trial. Chen was detained before the trial while the switch of presiding judge took place.

This is the first time that Taiwan has seen a former leader being convicted and sentenced to jail. Chen went on a hunger strike thrice to protest this accusation. He accused his successor, Ma Ying-jeou, of plotting a conspiracy against him. This allegation was clearly denied by Ma.

Chen had angered china with his pro independence stance during his regime.