The Taipei district court plans to deliver a verdict on former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's corruption case at around 4 p.m. Sept. 11 this year, sources with the court said Friday.

Tsai Shou-hsum, the presiding judge in Chen's corruption case, made the announcement after a trial on a land purchase deal in connection with the former leader, saying trial of Chen's cases was "drawing to a close".

The trial has entered its final stage of debate, he said. The last round of debate will be held on July 28, regardless of whether or not Chen refuse to cooperate or participate in the debate.

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 was indicted on new corruption charges in May, as prosecutors said during his eight years in office, he and his wife took 10 million New Taiwan dollars in bribes from a local businesswoman, and demanded bribes and donations totaling 300 million New Taiwan dollars from a former banker.

On July 13, the Taipei court ordered Chen Shui-bian to be detained for another two months while his case continues.

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 about nine years ago, but was ousted in an election in May last year.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2009)