Renewed calls in Taiwan for former president’s parole after attempted suicide

Supporters of Taiwan’s ex-president Chen Shui-bian renewed calls on Tuesday for the government immediately to parole him for medical treatment after Chen attempted suicide in prison.

Chen, who is serving a 20-year sentence for corruption, tried to hang himself with a towel in a bathroom of a prison hospital Sunday night but was prevented by a guard.

Chen, who began serving his term in a Taipei jail in 2009, was transferred to the prison hospital in April after he was diagnosed with severe depression, a nerve disorder and other health conditions.

His family and supporters said the attempted suicide showed Chen’s frail emotional state. They expressed anger that the 62-year-old was repeatedly denied medical parole even though doctors recommended home care for him.

“It is unacceptable for the government to ignore professional medical advice. We call for immediate parole for Chen for treatment,” said Lin Chun-hsien, spokesman for the opposition Democratic Progressive Party which Chen once led.