Former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je's appeal against a 17-year corruption sentence began in Taipei, a high-stakes moment for him and his Taiwan People's Party.

• Ko arrived at the High Court with his wife, smiling and saying nothing to reporters.
• Dozens of party supporters lined the sidewalk chanting that he is innocent, loud enough to be heard inside other courtrooms.
• The case bundles four strands: alleged bribery over the Core Pacific City property deal, misuse of party and campaign donations, and breach of trust involving a foundation he chaired.
• Three co-defendants were summoned too, including siblings Li Wen-tsung and Li Wen-chuan, plus an accountant accused of filing false declarations.
• Judges plan to split the case and work from the simpler charges to the harder ones.

Outlook: This first session is procedural — sorting out appeal arguments and evidence — with the substantive hearings still ahead.