Imprisoned Former Taiwanese President Attempts Suicide

Chen Shui-bian is serving a 20-year sentence for corruption

Authorities in Taiwan say imprisoned former president Chen Shui-bian has tried to commit suicide.

Taiwan's justice ministry released a statement Monday saying the attempt was made on Sunday night in Taichung prison in Central Taiwan.

The statement added that Chen had used a towel in the attempt, but was stopped by guards in a prison bathroom . The report did not say how the towel was used.