The Taipei court on Monday ordered that former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian, who is on trial for corruption, will be detained for a further two months while his case continues.

Chen was first indicted on Dec. 12 for money laundering and bribery. He and his wife were charged with embezzling 104 million New Taiwan dollars (3.15 million U.S. dollars) in public funds and accepting bribes of at least 9 million U.S. dollars in a land purchase deal.

Chen and his alleged collaborators are also accused of laundering the illegal income.

Chen has been in detention since December and faces a possible life sentence if convicted.

The court has twice extended the custody of Chen by two months in March and May. The current detention period was to end on July 25.

Chen was elected Taiwan leader eight years ago, but was ousted in an election in May last year.

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2009)