ATV boss Lim Por-yen, facing investigation over an alleged bribery scandal, was resting in hospital yesterday following his release from prison on NT$10 million bail (HK$2.2 million).
The 83-year-old head of Lai Sun Group left Taipei District Court for the Cheng Hsing Rehabilitation Medical Centre after his wife, Yu Po-chu, and defence lawyers posted the bail money.
He was to receive a full medical check-up for a heart condition he developed while in Taipei Detention Centre since December 16, family members said.
Mr Lim's former daughter-in-law, Taiwan actress Hsieh Ling-ling, and Wang Yu, an actor and close friend of Ms Hsieh's ex-husband Lam Kin-ngok were also at the courthouse to welcome his release.
Mr Lim's family had to make a last-minute effort to come up with the cash after the judge's bail ruling yesterday afternoon. The prosecution originally recommended bail of only NT$1 million.
Mr Lim's chief defence lawyer, Yeh Chien-chao, said he had asked the court to lift restrictions on Mr Lim's movements in Taiwan pending results of an investigation into allegations made against him.