Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian is handcuffed by prosecutors.

A Chinese mainland official on Wednesday refuted Taiwan former leader Chen Shui-bian's claims of being persecuted by the Kuomintang and the Communist Party as "a sheer fabrication".

"I believe everyone could see the purpose of his clumsy trick," State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokeswoman Fan Liqing said at a press briefing.

Asked by Taiwan media to comment on Chen's detention, Fan simply said,"We have noticed relevant media reports."

Chen was detained early Wednesday for alleged involvement in overseas money laundering and corruption, Taiwan media reported.

Taipei District Court made the decision after a court hearing which took place on Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2008)