On March 26, 2026, the Taipei District Court convicted former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) founder Ko Wen-je on four counts including accepting bribes, embezzlement, and breach of trust, sentencing him to 17 years in prison and stripping him of civil rights for six years. Prosecutors had sought more than 28 years, alleging bribes related to a property redevelopment project. Ko, who finished third in the 2024 presidential election, has denied all wrongdoing. He described the verdict as 'a political performance orchestrated under political manipulation' and stated he sought no personal gain. TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang called the ruling 'outrageous' and 'an outright political verdict based on trumped-up charges,' announcing a rally for March 29 and stating the party would continue to fight for Ko's innocence. The Kuomintang expressed regret, warning the decision could reinforce views that the rule of law is being used as a political tool. The Democratic Progressive Party urged Ko to respect the judiciary and face the ruling with courage, while declining to comment on the case specifics. This sentencing occurs amid an ongoing parliamentary deadlock in which the opposition, including the KMT and TPP, has blocked key government proposals and budgets. Under Taiwan's election law, a sentence exceeding 10 years would prevent Ko from running for president in 2028. This article is based on the report available at https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/former-taiwanese-presidential-candidate-sentenced-17-years-corruption-case which draws from Taipei District Court statements, Central News Agency reporting, and direct comments from the involved parties.