Taiwan's former leader Chen Shui-bian appeared in a Taipei District Court on Monday morning for a slander suit brought against him.

It is the first time that Chen has appeared in the court since he left his position in May.

According to retired vice admiral Lei Hsueh-ming, one of the five people filing suit, in 2005, Chen and other two legislators of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) alleged in a TV show that the group had accepted bribes, totaling 20 million U.S. dollars, in the Lafayette kickback scandal.

Over 100 police were present outside the court to maintain order as many journalists and people had gathered. The scene became chaotic when Chen changed his planned route and encountered some protestors.

During the court proceedings, the judge questioned Chen about his failure to turn up during the last court hearing. Chen said he was absent because there was an important meeting, and he could not disclose the subject matter as it was secret.

Chen told the judge that he did not mention the names of people who had allegedly been involved in the Lafayette case.

According to local TV reports, Chen is also involved in several other cases including the "state affairs fund" case. He may establish a record among former Taiwan leaders for court cases, the reports said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 22, 2008)