Court acquits man in university orientation assault case, citing witness presence

A man accused of indecent assault during a university orientation event has been acquitted by a Taiwanese court. The judge ruled that the circumstances, including the presence of numerous onlookers and the absence of immediate intervention, made the accusation unlikely.

The female student claimed that the male host, identified by the surname Huang, sexually assaulted her while she was incapacitated due to medication and alcohol. She alleged that Huang pressed his upper body against her, rubbed her chest, and moved his lips across her neck, stating, "You are safe now." This alleged assault lasted for about 10 minutes before a classmate intervened and removed Huang.

Huang denied the allegations, stating he was only assisting the student with vomiting under the supervision of others. The court considered that the alleged assault occurred in the presence of four to five onlookers, with sounds of photography heard. The judge found it illogical that a public assault of that duration would go unaddressed by those present.

Furthermore, the court noted that the student's memory, potentially affected by medication and alcohol, might have been influenced. Inconsistencies were also found in the testimony of the classmate who claimed to have witnessed the event. This witness initially stated having "no impression" of the situation in a gender equality investigation but later provided a detailed account during the trial.

Given the contradictions in witness statements, the lack of corroborating evidence, and the principle of presumed innocence, the court concluded that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The ruling is subject to appeal.