TAIPEI - THE wife of Taiwan's former president Chen Shui-bian is expected to appear in court this week for a two-day hearing in her high-profile graft case.

Wheelchair-bound Wu Shu-chen will make her first court appearance in more than two years at the Taipei District Court, at 2.30pm (Singapore time) on Tuesday, according to her son, Chen Chih-chung.

Wu became the first Taiwanese first lady to face criminal proceedings when she was indicted in 2006 for allegedly embezzling NT$14.8 million (S$658,000) in public funds.

Wu, who has also been accused of money laundering and accepting bribes, has denied all charges.

She collapsed at the start of her trial in late 2006 and was excused on health grounds from all court sessions.

In a surprise move in January, her son Chen Chih-chung and daughter-in-law Huang Jui-ching pleaded guilty to money laundering, and prosecutors are still considering a plea for leniency.

The young couple have promised prosecutors they will repatriate a total of US$38 million (S$56.8 million) held in bank accounts abroad, including US$21 million held in Switzerland.

They have also agreed to tell prosecutors the whereabouts of cash and jewellery worth around NT$600 million that was allegedly being hidden by Wu.

Some observers consider the young couple's move as an attempt to break ranks with their parents, others interpret it as part of the family's strategy to reduce any eventual punishment.

Ex-president Chen has admitted that his wife transferred US$20 million abroad, but said the money was from past campaign funds and that Wu had done so without his knowledge.

Chen is also already under investigation for allegedly embezzling NT$14.8 million in special expenses from the government while he was president.

Seven people have pleaded guilty so far for their alleged roles in the cases linked to Chen, according to the court.

Chen left office in May 2008 after eight years as president. He has been charged with embezzlement, taking bribes, money laundering, influence peddling and extortion and faces life in prison if convicted on all counts.

Some legal experts have expressed concern over the handling of Chen's case, including the court's decision to refuse him bail and to replace the presiding judge in his trial.

Chen, whose pro-independence policies while in office often irked Beijing, maintains he is innocent and accuses the current, China-friendly government of his successor, President Ma Ying-jeou, of leading a witch hunt against him. -- AFP