Taiwan’s jailed former president on hunger strike

TAIPEI, Taiwan: Jailed former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has begun a hunger strike to protest his arrest and highlight his claim that he is being persecuted by his successors, his lawyer said Thursday.

Chen, who is under investigation for alleged graft, was taken to Tucheng jail in suburban Taipei early Wednesday after a marathon court hearing concluded there was enough evidence to hold him for up to four months to prevent him from colluding with alleged co-conspirators.

Chen has not been officially charged in the case. He has denied all wrongdoing, and claims he is the victim of the new Nationalist government’s efforts to placate the Beijing leadership. Chen is a strong advocate of Taiwanese independence and opposes the Nationalist policy of forging closer ties with China, from which Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949.

Lawyer Cheng Wen-lung, who visited the jail Thursday morning, said his client wants “to protest the death of justice and the regression of democracy.”

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Cheng said Chen had not eaten since arriving there more than 24 hours earlier and insisted he is determined to continue his hunger strike.

‘American Idol’ donates more than $64-million

LOS ANGELES — The American Idol organization has allocated more than $64-million in grants to six U.S. and international charities from contributions to its “Idol Gives Back” fundraising event.

The popular Fox singing competition’s star-studded gala, held at the Kodak Theatre in April, featured musical performances by Miley Cyrus, Fergie, Heart and Snoop Dogg. Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crystal and Robin Williams were among the celebrities who also appeared on stage.

“Idol Gives Back” said Wednesday that grants have been made to The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Malaria No More; Children’s Health Fund; U.S. programs of Save the Children; Children’s Defense Fund; and Make It Right, Pitt’s campaign to help New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.

“The fact that American Idol has the ability to inspire millions, create hope and change lives is simply remarkable,” creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said in a statement. “We are extremely thankful to our viewers, sponsors and outstanding talent who continue to motivate each and every one of us to contribute to those who need it the most.”