Taiwan's former President Chen Shui-bian has gone on trial accused of a series of corruption charges in a case that has gripped the island.

Mr Chen, 58, along with his wife and 12 others, is accused of embezzlement, taking bribes and money laundering.

He denies the charges and says he is a victim of a "government purge".

Since leaving office in 2008, Mr Chen has been a vocal critic of the new government's support for China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan.

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