Sentenced to 16 Years, Chen Ou-po Preemptively Quits Party; DPP Integrity Committee Imposes Expulsion

(CNA Reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 22nd) Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chen Ou-po was accused of taking bribes and defrauding assistant fees. On the 14th, the Taipei District Court sentenced him to 16 years in prison and deprivation of civil rights for 6 years for corruption and other crimes. Chiu Chun-yen, chairman of the DPP's Integrity Committee, stated today that although Chen Ou-po has already declared his withdrawal from the party, the Integrity Committee still resolved to expel him during an evening meeting.

In an evening interview, Chiu Chun-yen stated that when a party member is involved in bribery, the lightest punishment the Integrity Committee can issue is suspension of rights, and the heaviest is expulsion. Chen Ou-po submitted his withdrawal statement to the party headquarters on the 20th. Once he withdraws, he is no longer a party member, so suspension of rights is not applicable; the only remaining punishment is expulsion.

Chiu Chun-yen further explained that in the case of voluntary withdrawal, the individual can reapply for party membership after two years. However, if expelled by the Integrity Committee, the individual must wait at least five years before being eligible to join the party again.

Chiu said that to give the person involved an opportunity to explain, the Integrity Committee contacted Chen Ou-po, but Chen said he would not attend and did not provide any written materials.

Additionally, DPP Taoyuan City Councilor Yu Wu-ho was indicted for defrauding assistant fees, Chiayi County Council Speaker Chang Ming-ta was indicted for allegedly receiving luxury goods, and former DPP legislator Chen Lai Su-mei was also indicted in a case involving the fraud of assistant subsidies.

Chiu Chun-yen noted that the individuals involved in these three cases have all been indicted, and their alleged violations fall under the regulations of the Integrity Ordinance. Therefore, the Integrity Committee also resolved today to open cases and investigate these three matters. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150422

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