Elderly man fined for insulting social worker

A court has ordered an 86-year-old man to pay a fine of NT$5,000 for publicly insulting a 20-year-old social worker with vulgar language. The incident occurred at the county government offices when the elderly man, identified by his surname Liu, was seeking assistance.

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I want to ask if I need to pay you for sitting at the table.

Liu had reportedly been denied participation in a local community care program. He went to the county government's social affairs department, demanding that officials compel the program to admit him. A young social worker on duty informed Liu that while she would respond formally, the government could not force the community center to accept him.

Dissatisfied with this response, Liu allegedly unleashed a barrage of profanity, including sexually suggestive remarks, directed at the social worker. The 20-year-old, feeling her dignity had been violated, decided to report the incident to the police. Liu was subsequently charged with public insult.

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The court found that Liu failed to engage in rational communication and resorted to abusive language simply because the social worker refused his request.

During the court proceedings, Liu attempted to defend himself by claiming his insults were not aimed at the social worker but at a political party. However, the Pingtung District Court rejected this defense. The court found that Liu failed to engage in rational communication and resorted to abusive language simply because his request was denied. The court also noted that his remarks carried misogynistic undertones, deeming them unacceptable. Furthermore, Liu denied his actions after the fact, which also factored into the court's decision. He was ultimately fined NT$5,000, with the option to serve labor instead, and retains the right to appeal.

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His remarks also carried misogynistic undertones, which were unacceptable.