[20/1/2009]

Former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian pleaded not guilty to corruption charges Monday during a pre-trial hearing in Taipei.

He has been jailed since late December, when Taiwan's high court revoked an earlier decision to grant him bail.

Chen is accused of embezzling 600 million new Taiwan dollars ($18 million U.S.), taking bribes, laundering money and illegally removing classified documents from the president's office.

The 58-year-old former leader has denied any wrongdoing and insists the charges are politically motivated.

Thirteen others, including Chen's wife, son, daughter-in-law and brother-in-law have been indicted in the case. Prosecutors said Chen's son has a Swiss bank account with $22 million they believe to be illegal proceeds