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Taiwan leader faces mass protest Taiwan leader faces mass protest
(about 4 hours later)
Tens of thousands of people have been demonstrating in Taiwan to demand the resignation of President Chen Shui-bian over corruption allegations.Tens of thousands of people have been demonstrating in Taiwan to demand the resignation of President Chen Shui-bian over corruption allegations.
The protesters, many dressed in red to highlight their anger, gathered in the capital on what organisers describe as the first day of mass protests.The protesters, many dressed in red to highlight their anger, gathered in the capital on what organisers describe as the first day of mass protests.
Mr Chen's popularity has plummeted amid scandals involving relatives and aides.Mr Chen's popularity has plummeted amid scandals involving relatives and aides.
In one case, his son-in-law is facing charges - which he denies - of insider trading on the stock market.In one case, his son-in-law is facing charges - which he denies - of insider trading on the stock market.
Organisers say more that 200,000 people joined Saturday's rally outside the presidential offices in Taipei - but police put the number at 90,000.Organisers say more that 200,000 people joined Saturday's rally outside the presidential offices in Taipei - but police put the number at 90,000.
The BBC's Caroline Gluck, at the scene, says it is a sea of red.The BBC's Caroline Gluck, at the scene, says it is a sea of red.
There are four big red balloons, representing righteousness, integrity, prosperity and honour.There are four big red balloons, representing righteousness, integrity, prosperity and honour.
Chen protests gain groundChen protests gain ground
The protesters say these virtues have been lost in today's Taiwan, and Mr Chen should stand down.The protesters say these virtues have been lost in today's Taiwan, and Mr Chen should stand down.
The movement is led by Shih Ming-teh, a veteran activist who spent more than 25 years in jail when Taiwan was under martial law.The movement is led by Shih Ming-teh, a veteran activist who spent more than 25 years in jail when Taiwan was under martial law.
He says he is responding to a groundswell of public discontent.He says he is responding to a groundswell of public discontent.
Our correspondent says it is the first mass grassroots movement in Taiwan that has not been organised by mainstream political parties. Organisers say the protest is the first mass grassroots movement to remove a president that has not been organised by mainstream political parties.
However analysts say President Chen seems unlikely to stand down.However analysts say President Chen seems unlikely to stand down.
Last month he survived an unprecedented parliamentary attempt by the opposition Kuomintang to oust him.Last month he survived an unprecedented parliamentary attempt by the opposition Kuomintang to oust him.
The crisis began in May, when Mr Chen's son-in-law, Chao Chien-min, was detained on suspicion of insider trading.The crisis began in May, when Mr Chen's son-in-law, Chao Chien-min, was detained on suspicion of insider trading.
Mr Chen's wife was also accused of questionable dealings.Mr Chen's wife was also accused of questionable dealings.
The president has apologised for the actions of his son-in-law.The president has apologised for the actions of his son-in-law.


Were you at the protest and do you have any pictures? If so, you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.ukWere you at the protest and do you have any pictures? If so, you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and videoClick here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video
Did you attend the demonstration? Are you planning to attend further protests? Do you think the rallies will work in forcing Chen Shui-bian to quit?Send us your comments and tell us what you saw using the form below.Did you attend the demonstration? Are you planning to attend further protests? Do you think the rallies will work in forcing Chen Shui-bian to quit?Send us your comments and tell us what you saw using the form below.
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