Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian is back in prison on corruption charges, following a ruling by the Taipei District Court. Authorities there fear Chen is a flight risk, and that he could possibly alter evidence.

The judge in the case says the former Taiwan leader could face life in jail for corruption, but is allowing him to meet with his lawyer and family during the trial.

After a 12-hour hearing that was heated at times, the court delivered its ruling on Tuesday morning, when Chen was taken back to jail. The judge in the case says the former Taiwan leader could face life in jail for corruption, but is allowing him to meet with his lawyer and family during the trial.

Chen and his wife are charged with embezzling over 3 million U.S. dollars from public funds and taking bribes of about 9 million U.S. dollars during his 8 years as Taiwan's leader.

(CCTV December 31, 2008)