Ko Chien-ming pleads not guilty in cane-striking incident involving Hsu Chiao-hsin

Legislator Ko Chien-ming appeared in court to face charges of negligent injury, stemming from an incident where his cane detached and struck legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin. The incident occurred during a heated exchange in the Legislative Yuan last March over two referendum proposals from the Kuomintang party.

Ko entered a plea of not guilty, stating his intention to "defend the constitutional system." He argued that the prosecutor's actions were both "illegal and unconstitutional," asserting that the proceedings against him were procedurally and substantively flawed. "How could I possibly be arrested?" Ko remarked to reporters before entering the courthouse, referencing a previous instance where an arrest warrant was considered.

“

Today is mainly to defend the constitutional system. Prosecutors cannot interfere with the operation of Congress, so the prosecutor is both illegal and unconstitutional. This case is procedurally illegal, and substantively illegal, so I want to defend the constitutional system.

During the court session, Ko appeared energetic and walked without the aid of a cane. The judge, Lu Cheng-yeh, confirmed that Ko and Hsu had no intention of reaching a settlement. Ko's defense is based on the principle that legislators cannot be arrested or detained unless caught in the act, a right protected by the Constitution.

This hearing followed a previous one on April 21, where Ko and his lawyer failed to appear. The judge had initially ordered Ko's arrest, but later rescinded the order, citing the constitutional immunity of legislators. Ko's lawyer had explained that they had not received notification for the earlier hearing.

“

How could I possibly be arrested?