DPP Legislator Found Guilty of Corruption|高志鵬遭判刑定讞 將提再審.非常上訴

On Dec. 26, Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Gao Jyh-peng was sentenced to four years and six months in prison and stripped of his citizens' rights for four years for a corruption case that took place 12 years ago. One day later, Gao announced he is resigning as legislator and member of the DPP's central standing committee. He also said he will seek a new trial or file an extraordinary appeal.


Several Democratic Progressive Party legislators, including Liu Chao-hao and Hsu Chih-chieh, showed up to support their colleague Gao Jyh-peng as he made an announcement following a court ruling on Dec. 26 sentencing him to four years and six months in prison. Gao was found guilty of corruption for lobbying illegally for and accepting bribes from people interested in leasing land from the National Property Administration. He was also stripped of his citizens' rights for four years. On Dec. 27, Gao appeared at the legislature and said he would face this situation head on. He added someone has to serve as a "prisoner of war" following the DPP's overwhelming loss in November's local elections.

I am hereby announcing that I am resigning as a legislator and member of the Democratic Progressive Party's Central Standing Committee in order to allow Sanchong (his constituency) to get a new legislator as early as possible and to avoid affecting the DPP.

Gao also questioned the court's use of the words "substantial impact" in its ruling. He said he will seek a new trial or file an extraordinary appeal.

As a legal person, we of course have to choose the option of facing the issue, so I will find all the ways I can to demonstrate my innocence.

Gao represents New Taipei City's Sanchong District in the legislature. A by-election will be held to fill the vacancy. The DPP's New Taipei City chapter says it will hold a meeting to discuss follow-up actions as Gao may seek judicial relief.

I only found out yesterday. We may have to find a time to hold a meeting. I called him, and he may file an extraordinary appeal.

The Central Election Commission says it will draw up the document revoking Gao's qualifications as legislator and initiate preparations for the by-election after the Ministry of the Interior receives the written court ruling.