TAIPEI - Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou said Tuesday that his government would not interfere with the island's judicial system, as his predecessor stands trial for corruption.

In remarks to reporters ahead of the first anniversary of his inauguration, he also reiterated pledges to eradicate corruption in the wake of a string of scandals.

His predecessor Chen Shui-bian is currently on trial facing charges he says are part of a political witch-hunt by Ma's Beijing-friendly government.

Ma did not refer to Chen, but said his administration 'will work fully to eradicate corruption.

'We will never interfere with the judicial process, to cover up or set up' someone, he added.

'There are expectations on the judicial human rights and the independence and quality of the trial system. There has been major progress... and there is still room for improvement.'

Earlier, around 100 of Chen's supporters were removed by police during an unauthorised protest in front of the presidential office.

They held signs reading 'acquit Chen Shui-bian' and demanded the ex-leader be released from a detention centre where he has been held since December on graft charges.

Chen, who left office last May after a maximum eight years, stands accused of embezzling public funds, money laundering, accepting bribes on a land deal, influence peddling and forgery.

A district court ruled last week he should stay in custody for another two months until late July, saying he was a flight risk and may collude with other suspects or destroy evidence if freed on bail.

Chen frequently angered China with his pro-independence policies. His wife, son and daughter-in-law have also been accused in a far-reaching case which has captivated Taiwan for months.

Some legal experts have expressed concern about the handling of the case, including the court's decision to detain Chen before his trial and to switch the presiding judge.