Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian stood trial in a corruption case at a Taipei court Tuesday morning.

Chen and his wife are charged with embezzling 104 million New Taiwan dollars (3 million US dollars) in public funds, and accepting bribes of about 9 million US dollars in a land purchase deal.

The court was scheduled to hear evidence in the bribery case during the morning and consider the misuse of public funds and money laundering in the afternoon.

The judge asked Chen about his health before proceedings began. Chen said he felt uncomfortable and had a rapid heartbeat.

Chen started fasting last Friday to express dissatisfaction with the prosecutors, but he resumed eating at noon Monday.

The prosecutors had a vehement debate with Chen's lawyers at the court in the morning.

The trial attracted many reporters, and a large police force was on hand to maintain order.

Chen faced two additional charges by prosecutors during the first trial on Jan. 19. He rejected the charges, which include blackmail and seeking profits on projects that he was not in charge of.

He potentially faces life in prison if convicted.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2009)