Chen-Shui Bian Hospitalized while in Jail

Less than a week after former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian was arrested, he was hospitalized Sunday for an irregular heartbeat as a result of a hunger strike.

It was reported that Chen had difficulty breathing and complained of pain on the left side of his chest for refusing to eat for five days running. Chen has said that his arrest is an act of political persecution.

Taiwan's Supreme Prosecutor's Office on the other hand, believes they have enough evidence to indict Chen on money-laundering charges. Chen is accused of falsifying finances and moving millions from his campaign donations to overseas bank accounts. In August, he apologized to the Taiwan people for is indiscretion and resigned from the Democratic Progressive Party.

While the last years of Chen's presidency was mired in corruption allegations that left him with record low-favorability ratings, Chen has gained support following his arrest as a result of recent talks between current Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou and representatives from the People's Republic of China, which views Taiwan as a renegade province.

In Chen's career, he has lived a series of firsts. He was Taiwan's youngest lawyer - passing the bar exam as a junior in college, he became the first non-Kuomintang Party politician elected president, and now he is the first former president to be jailed. If indicted, he could face up to five years in prison for money laundering.