Taiwan’s former President, Chen Shui-bian, was handcuffed as he left the prosecutor's office where he was questioned for more than five hours about some money-laundering schemes he was allegedly involved in.

The former president held his handcuffed hands up for all journalists to see and yelled "Political persecution! Long live Taiwan!"

According to the country’s Central News Agency, the Taiwan anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating Chen Shui-bian for “his alleged misuse of his discretionary 'state affairs fund' and a money-laundering case involving the former first family." Prosecutors asked the judge to formally detain the former president as a “necessary” measure while they continue to investigate because the crimes Chen is suspected of committing are felonies, the Central News Agency reported.

Chen Shui-bian anticipated his detaining. On Monday he said that prosecutors might ask for his detaining. The former president added that authorities could "lock up my body, not my heart." He underlined the fact that the charges he now faces are politically motivated.

Mr. Chen, a passionate supporter of Taiwanese independence, denied any wrongdoing and accused the current administration of persecuting him under the influence of Beijing. Chen held power from 2000 to 2008 and his party has favored and independent Taiwan, while the current president, Ma Ying-jeou, and his administration are moving towards very close ties with mainland China.

Mr. Chen and his family have been involved in a corruption case since 2006. The then president’s son-in-law was charged with insider trading on the stock market. He was jailed for 7 years. Chen Shui-bian is now being investigated for allegedly stealing 14.8 million Taiwan dollars (US$480,500) from the Taiwanese government.