Ko Wen-je, a presidential contender, was indicted Thursday on corruption charges.
The 65-year-old is accused of accepting half a million dollars in bribes involving real estate dealing during his term as mayor of Taipei, as well as misreporting campaign finances during his run for president in January.
Prosecutors are seeking up to 28.5 years in prison.
Ko’s indictment deals a crucial blow to the political movement he represents, which has struck a chord with voters looking for an alternative to the ruling Democratic People’s Party and main opposition Kuomintang.
Ko, who denied the corruption allegations, was arrested in September and held in detention.
Prosecutors said Thursday that he was among 11 people who were being prosecuted. Several other members of his Taiwan People’s Party have also been charged with misappropriating political donations.
A dark horse in January’s presidential election, Ko won more than 25% of the vote – not far behind ruling party candidate Lai Ching-te’s 40%.
Ko’s arrest has triggered protests from his allies and supporters, who accused the DPP of using the charges to suppress its opponents.
