Hsinchu sinkhole case: Magistrate Yang Wen-ko acquitted in first trial; appeal supported

Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ko has been acquitted in the first trial concerning the "Fengcai 520" sinkhole incident in Zhubei City. The court found Yang not guilty, but two former county officials, Jiang Liang-yuan and Huang Yu-ssu, were convicted. They were found guilty of illegally benefiting Fengyi Construction and Songen Company by permitting construction to proceed despite a work suspension.

Following the verdict, New Power Party Chairwoman Wang Wan-yu expressed her support for the prosecution's decision to appeal the ruling. She questioned the outcome, noting that while officials and the construction company faced charges, only Yang Wen-ko was acquitted. Wang highlighted that Fengyi Construction had met with Yang 33 times since 2015 and had provided political donations, including the use of a campaign headquarters valued at one million New Taiwan dollars.

Wang Wan-yu urged Magistrate Yang Wen-ko to concentrate on his duties as the Hsinchu County Magistrate, criticizing his apparent interest in international travel. She stated that county resources are funded by taxpayers and should not be treated as personal travel funds. The case involved sinkholes that appeared at the "Fengcai 520" construction site, raising concerns about construction practices and official oversight.

The convictions of Jiang Liang-yuan and Huang Yu-ssu underscore the legal ramifications for officials involved in alleged corruption or negligence. The ongoing legal process, with the potential for an appeal, continues to be a significant issue for Hsinchu County governance.