Taiwan ex-leader Chen Shui-bian released from prison on parole

Taipei: Taiwan's ailing ex-leader Chen Shui-bian was freed from prison on medical parole Monday, after serving six years for graft relating to his presidency.

Chen, 64, who led Taiwan from 2000 to 2008, will be released from a prison hospital this afternoon due to his "medical condition", said deputy justice minister Chen Ming-tang, but will be subject to monthly health checks.