Internet celebrity criticizes lenient sentences in Taiwan election petition fraud case

An internet celebrity known as "Four Cats" has drawn attention to a court ruling concerning a fabricated "death petition" used in an attempt to recall a city councilor. The ruling, which handed down suspended sentences and fines to those involved, has sparked criticism regarding the perceived low cost of such actions.

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All suspended sentences plus only a fine of tens of thousands, the price is really low, no wonder the KMT loves to play with death petitions.

The case involved the alleged falsification of signatures for a petition to recall Taipei City Councilor Chen Nai-yu. The investigation implicated Liu Shih-chun and Lin Tzu-ling, directors of the New Taipei City office of legislator Luo Ming-tsai, along with Wu Chun-mei, former chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Party's Xindian District chapter. The Taipei District Court sentenced the three individuals to over a year in prison, with all receiving a three-year suspended sentence and a fine.

"Four Cats" shared the court document on social media, expressing disbelief at the outcome. The celebrity lamented that the penalty, consisting of a suspended sentence and a fine of just over ten thousand NT dollars, was too lenient. "No wonder the KMT loves to play with death petitions," "Four Cats" commented, suggesting that such low penalties do not deter future misconduct.

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I don't really believe it! But I can only respect the court's decision.

Furthermore, "Four Cats" questioned the extent of accountability, particularly regarding legislator Luo Ming-tsai's office. The celebrity expressed skepticism that the office directors acted without Luo's knowledge or approval, stating, "I don't really believe it!" The celebrity also noted the high-profile nature of the alleged conspiracy, involving a legislator's staff and a former party official targeting a relatively junior city councilor.

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This is too high-profile treatment, isn't it?