Taipei - Taiwan's detained former president Chen Shui-bian continued his hunger strike Friday, while prosecutors questioned his son and daughter-in-law over money-laundering allegations.

Chen launched the hunger strike Wednesday after he was detained over graft allegations. Since then, he has refused to eat and only drinks water at the Taipei Penitentiary.

"He has stomach ache and gas in his stomach. I am afraid he will suffer from intestinal failure," Chen's defence lawyer Cheng Wen-lung told reporters after visiting Chen.

"But Chen said he will continue the hunger strike to protest his detainment," he added.

Chen, 57, who became president in 2000 and left office in May, faces allegations including embezzlement of government funds, money laundering, fraud and taking bribes. He denied any wrongdoing.

All Chen's family members are suspected of having been involved in the graft scandal - including taking bribes and money laundering.

On Friday, prosecutors summoned Chen's daughter Chen Hsin-yu, son Chen Chih-chung and daughter-in-law Huang Jui-chin for questioning over their suspected links with Chen's alleged embezzlement.

Chen Hsin-yu did not show up, but Chen Chih-chung and his wife went to the Supreme Prosecutor's Office to be questioned.

Chen Chih-chung and his wife allegedly funneled Chen Shui-bian's embezzled funds into overseas bank accounts and have been barred from leaving the country. (dpa)