Former Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian yesterday became the first person that has held the island's top post to be handcuffed and face detention.
But last night Mr Chen was in hospital after complaining of being struck by police.
Mr Chen, who stepped down in May after serving two four-year terms, was questioned yesterday over allegations of embezzlement, bribes and money laundering.
After almost seven hours of questioning, prosecutors decided to seek court approval to detain him.
'As he was allegedly involved in criminal cases subject to punishment of more than five years in prison, we have decided to ask for a court order for his detention to prevent him from tampering with evidence,' prosecutor Chen Yun-nan said.
Raising his hands high to show the handcuffs, Mr Chen tried to portray himself as a martyr defending Taiwan's democracy and sovereignty by accusing President Ma Ying-jeou of collaborating with Beijing to punish him and curb pro-independence sentiment on the island.
