Wu Shu-chen, wife of Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian, fainted in court shortly after the opening of her trial on corruption charges in Taipei on Friday.

She is accused of embezzlement, forgery of documents and perjury, involving 14.8 million New Taiwan dollars (448,500 U.S. dollars).

During the trial, Wu passed out and was rushed into a nearby hospital, causing the court proceedings to be suspended for a few minutes.

Doctors said Wu was suffering from low blood pressure and a slow heart rate on arrival but her condition was returning to normal after rest.

Wu did not return to the court later on Friday.

Wu, paralyzed from the waist down following an accident in 1985, has been ill with low blood pressure and stomach problems.

The hearing was suspended at 1:00 p.m., and resumed at 2:30 p.m. after a break, according to local media.

Prosecutors also claimed to have evidence to indict Taiwan leader Chen on charges of graft and forgery of documents in connection with a secret office fund, but his status as leader renders him immune from criminal charges and a formal indictment against him will have to await the end of his term of office in 2008.

The case could end Chen's leadership prematurely however as he made a promise to step down if his wife was found guilty just a few days after Wu was indicted on Nov. 3.

Another five people, including Chen's close aide Ma Yong-cheng, were indicted on charges involving the alleged misuse of the funds.

At Friday's trial, the judge asked the defendants to enter their pleas, and then opened arguments from the prosecution and the defense.

Wu Shu-chen pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.

She arrived at the court at 9:25 a.m. and did not answer questions from the media about the case.

After seven hours in session, the court announced that the next court session would be next Friday.

People began queuing outside the court early in the morning in order to secure one of the few public seats in the courtroom.

Anti-Chen demonstrators also gathered near the court.

Source: Xinhua