Taipei - The lawyer for Taiwan's ex-president Chen Shui-bian applied for Chen's release from detention Monday as the former leader's hunger strike is threatening his life.

Attorney Cheng Wen-lung made the request after visiting Chen at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, where Chen was admitted Sunday evening after having fasted for five days, since he was detained at the Taipei Detention Centre last Wednesday.

"Chen insists on his innocence. Although he received a campaign donation, which is not right, he believes he did a good job in running the country during his term. He thinks he is like a white cloth being dyed into black cloth," Cheng said, using a Taiwanese saying to mean one has been wronged.

"For the sake of his health, I have applied for Chen's release from detention," he added.

Chen was rushed to the Far Eastern hospital Sunday with a stomach ache, nausea and chest pain caused by his hunger strike.

He was given nutrition shots at the Far Eastern hospital but was transferred to the Panchiao Hopsital Monday for more examinations and and possible force-feeding, if he continues to fast.

"He suffers from severe dehydration. If he continues fasting, he can hold on for only several days," Far Eastern hospital spokesman Chiang Kuang-chao said.

Chen, 57, who ended his second four-year presidential term in May, is suspected of embezzling millions of US dollars under the pretext of using the money as a "secret diplomatic fund" to launch or strengthen ties with foreign countries.

He is also suspected of laundering 21 million US dollars abroad, and accepting millions of dollars in bribes from Taiwan businessmen.

Prosecutors say they intend to indict him soon on at least five charges that carry a maximum jail term of 30 years. He could be held for several months before standing trial. (dpa)