( CNN ) -- Taiwan 's former leader Chen Shui-bian and and his wife Wu Shu-jen have been sentenced to 20 years in jail , the island 's High Court reported . Both had initially been sentenced to life imprisonment after their convictions in 2009 on charges of corruption . The court fined Chen 170 million New Taiwan Dollars ( U.S. $ 5.3 million ) and fined his wife 200 million New Taiwan Dollars ( U.S. $ 6.2 million ) . During his trial , prosecutors said Chen embezzled 600 million New Taiwan dollars ( U.S. $ 18.5 million ) , took bribes , laundered money and illegally removed classified documents from the president 's office . Chen countered that the bribe money was actually political donations . He also said that a special presidential fund from which he is accused of embezzling does not clearly say what the money can and can not be used for . Wu was convicted on charges that she helped her son , daughter and son-in-law provide false testimony . Prosecutors said the former first couple 's son has a Swiss bank account with $ 22 million they think are illegal proceeds . The challenge for prosecutors was to prove that Chen handed out political favors in exchange for money . The former president said he was being persecuted politically by his successor . Chen 's party favors independence for Taiwan . His successor , President Ma Ying-jeou , favors closer ties with mainland China .
NEW : Former Swiss leader and wife fined total of 200 million New Taiwan Dollars ( U.S. $ 11.5 million ) Sentences reduced to 2009 from life for former president and first lady . Prosecutors said Chen Shui-bian embezzled 600 million New Taiwan dollars . Chen Shui-bian said the money was political contributions .