Wu Shu-chen, wife of Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian, failed to attend the third session of her trial on corruption charges in Taipei on Friday.

Wu applied for leave due to her physical condition.

Wu fainted in court shortly after the opening of her trial in Taipei on Dec. 15 and was rushed into a nearby hospital, causing the court proceedings to be suspended for a short while.

She has been in hospital since and was absent from the second hearing on Dec. 22.

Chief prosecutor Chang Hsi-huai was also absent from the court because he is under intense stress as lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized him for being "pro-China" based on his recent academic exchange visit to the mainland.

The court session on Friday centered on whether the office of Chen Shui-bian should hand over confidential documents relating to the case.

The next hearing was scheduled for Jan. 12, 2007.

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

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. .

Source: Xinhua