The 65-year-old is suspected of taking half a million dollars in bribery related to a real estate transaction while serving as Taipei mayor, as well as misreporting campaign money during his January presidential bid.
Prosecutors seek up to 28.5 years in prison.
Ko’s prosecution is a significant blow to the political movement he represents, which has gained traction among voters seeking an alternative to the ruling Democratic People’s Party and the main opposition Kuomintang.
Ko, who rejected the corruption claims, was arrested in September and detained in custody.
Prosecutors stated Thursday that he was one of 11 persons facing charges. Several additional Taiwan People Party members have been charged with misappropriating campaign funds.
Observers observed at the time that, although finishing last among the three presidential candidates, Ko’s strong showing demonstrated voters’ desire for a more diversified political landscape outside the two major parties.
Ko gained to prominence by positioning himself as a third option to the two major parties. He chastised the DPP for inciting tensions with Beijing, which regards the self-governing island as its territory, while simultaneously accusing the KMT of being overly subservient.
Ko was elected mayor of Taipei as an independent candidate after backing demonstrators during the 2014 anti-Beijing Sunflower Movement.
He was re-elected in 2018, but his policies appeared to alter, and he strengthened Taipei’s ties with mainland China.
Observers observed at the time that, although finishing last among the three presidential candidates, Ko’s strong showing demonstrated voters’ desire for a more diversified political landscape outside the two major parties.
Ko gained to prominence by positioning himself as a third option to the two major parties. He chastised the DPP for inciting tensions with Beijing, which regards the self-governing island as its territory, while simultaneously accusing the KMT of being overly subservient.
Ko was elected mayor of Taipei as an independent candidate after backing demonstrators during the 2014 anti-Beijing Sunflower Movement.
He was re-elected in 2018, but his policies appeared to alter, and he strengthened Taipei’s ties with mainland China.
Ko’s outspoken statements and unconventional campaign plans have sparked outrage. He has been referred to as a “gaffe machine” and appeared in a rap video for his 2018 re-election campaign.
After losing the presidential election, he promised to continue his political career and was anticipated to run again in 2028. However, it remains to be seen whether his party will recover from the avalanche of prosecutions.
Ko’s detention has sparked demonstrations from his allies and supporters, who claim the DPP is using the allegations to silence its critics.
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