Pingtung childcare center infant death case to be reviewed March 19; license revocation possible
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Pingtung County government will hold a review committee meeting on March 19 regarding the death of an infant at a childcare center.
- The infant's family, accompanied by a lawyer, issued a statement demanding truth and access to surveillance footage.
- The county government stated that evidence has been secured and an investigation is underway, with the possibility of revoking the center's license.
Pingtung County authorities are set to convene a review committee meeting on March 19 to deliberate the case of an infant's death at a private childcare center on August 5. The Pingtung County Government announced that its Social Affairs Department immediately secured evidence and initiated an investigation with police and health departments, reporting the case to prosecutors.
The family of the deceased infant, supported by their lawyer, released a statement expressing their grief and demanding transparency. They highlighted their inability to access surveillance footage from the earlier part of the day the incident occurred and requested the county government's assistance in ensuring a fair and swift administrative ruling against the center and responsible staff.
We will clarify the truth and deliver justice.
Responding to the family's concerns, the county government acknowledged the tragedy and the parents' pain. They assured that they would clarify the truth and deliver justice. The Social Affairs Department confirmed that evidence was preserved upon notification, and social workers have been providing support, including legal consultation. The department also stated it would help the parents access surveillance footage from before 2:05 PM on the day of the incident, as per regulations.
With all administrative investigation materials now complete, the review meeting has been moved forward to March 19. The government reiterated that if any violations are confirmed, they will be dealt with severely, potentially leading to the revocation of the childcare center's operating license.
We are unable to access surveillance footage from the earlier part of the day the incident occurred.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.