No-show by Taiwan's first lady in Embezzlement Trial

Taiwan’s wheelchair-bound first lady failed to attend the second session of her embezzlement trial today while opposition lawmakers accused her of using a stalling tactic to help president Chen Shui-bian serve out the remainder of his term.

Wu Shu-chen, who fainted during the opening session of her trial last week, asked for leave of absence through her lawyers. She has since been taken to hospital and doctors said her blood pressure could fall if she stays seated for long periods.