Elderly Man Uses Campaign Banner as Drop Cloth for Vegetable Stall

A political campaign banner in New Taipei City was found to have been cut down and taken, leading to a police investigation. Authorities quickly identified an 88-year-old man as the suspect after reviewing surveillance footage.

The man, who farms for a living, admitted to using a sickle to cut the banner. He explained that he planned to use it as a protective ground cover for his produce at the local morning market. He had no political intentions and simply saw a practical use for the material.

When the candidate, You Haolin, learned of the elderly man's circumstances and motive, he expressed understanding and decided not to file charges. You Haolin also commended the police for their swift action in resolving the case within two hours.

Police reminded the public that tampering with election materials is a criminal offense. They emphasized that all campaign advertisements are legally placed and should not be damaged, moved, or destroyed. Such actions could lead to charges of property damage.