Man Sentenced for Arson Attacks on Taipei MRT Stations Over Land Dispute

A 72-year-old man, identified as the head of a residents' self-help group protesting land redistribution issues in Taichung, has been sentenced for setting fires in two Taipei MRT stations. Zeng Shiyuan was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for five years, and ordered to complete 240 hours of community service.

“

The suspect used gasoline-soaked materials to start the fires.

The incidents occurred on February 8, when Zeng allegedly used gasoline-soaked materials to set fire to men's restrooms at the Daan Forest Park and Shàndǎo Sì stations. Zeng had been involved in a land redistribution dispute in Taichung's Da Fu Di area for 14 years and claimed his attempts to seek legal remedies and petition various government agencies had been unsuccessful.

Prosecutors stated that Zeng's actions endangered the lives of MRT passengers. He was arrested and initially detained due to the severity of the charges and the risk of recidivism. However, support groups and political entities, including the Shè Zǐ Island Self-Help Association and the New Power Party, held press conferences advocating for his release, arguing that his extreme actions were a desperate attempt to draw attention to his unresolved grievances.

“

Zeng's actions endangered the lives of MRT passengers.

The fires caused smoke damage to the station facilities, including blackened walls and doors at Daan Forest Park station, and a blackened ceiling and deformed ventilation duct at Shàndǎo Sì station. Fortunately, MRT staff quickly extinguished the flames, preventing major structural damage or injuries. The court found Zeng guilty of two counts of attempted arson.

“

Zeng's extreme actions were a desperate attempt to draw attention to his unresolved grievances.