Supporters of former president Chen Shui-bian perform a skit to protest against his continued detention yesterday outside the Taipei District Court, where Chen appeared in the final stage of his trial on corruption charges. PHOTO: CHIEN JUNG-FONG, TAIPEI TIMES

Former president Chen Shui-bian last night began to make a statement at the end of his trial on money laundering and corruption charges at the Taipei District Court.

As of press time, Chen was still addressing the court.

After asking whether there was a time limit, the former president began to speak for the first time in weeks, almost entirely in Hoklo.