Former Taiwan leader faces more charges

TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 6 (UPI) -- Taiwanese prosecutors say they have filed more corruption charges against embattled former president Chen Shui-bian.

Chen, who was first indicted on money laundering and bribery charges Dec. 12, Tuesday was charged with taking $302,000 in bribes from a local businesswoman as well as with demanding $9 million in bribes and donations from a former banker, the state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.

Chen has been jailed since December and faces life imprisonment if convicted on the original charges, which allege he and his wife embezzled $3.1 million in public funds and took bribes of at least $9 million, Xinhua reported.