A legal victory for a disqualified former legislator.

Diane Lee, who used to serve as Taipei City Councilor and later legislator, was stripped of her legislative seat in 2009 for illegally holding dual citizenship.

The Taipei City Council soon filed a fraud suit against her, demanding the full return of over 22 million NT dollars in salary that Lee received during her four-year tenure. But the Taipei High Administrative Court ruled on Tuesday that she may keep the earnings.

In February 2009, the Central Election Commission invalidated Diane Lee's one Taipei City Council and three Legislative Yuan election wins after it was discovered that she never renounced her United States citizenship.

Shortly afterwards, the Taipei City Council filed an administrative suit against Lee for the 22.68 million NT she collected in wages during her four years as city councilor.

On Tuesday, the Taipei High Administrative Court ruled in favor of Lee, saying that she lived up to the duties of her job and did not seek illegal profit.

Last February, the Taipei District Court found Lee guilty of fraud and sentenced her to two years with parole.

Lee appealed the ruling, and her attorney believes that the High Administrative Court's verdict will help her criminal case, which is currently being tried in the Taiwan High Court.

In regards to the 80 million NT Lee collected in wages as a three-term legislator, the Legislative Yuan previously said that it would await the High Administrative Court's verdict before making any decisions.

It remains unclear at present time whether the Taipei City Council will appeal the High Administrative Court's ruling.