Former Taiwan leader sentenced to 20 years in jail

Former leader of Taiwan Chen Shui-bian on Friday was sentenced to 20 years in prison as a combined punishment for a list of crimes he committed.

Taiwan's High Court on Thursday also announced a combined imprisonment of 20 years for Chen's wife Wu Shu-chen.

In addition to the jail term, the court decided to fine Chen 250 million New Taiwan dollars (8.4 million U.S. dollars) and Wu 200 million New Taiwan dollars.

The couple has been convicted of embezzlement, bribery and money laundering in relation to mergers and acquisitions for some Taiwanese financial institutions.

Chen has been held in custody since November 2008. Wu has not been imprisoned due to her poor health.