Taiwan Fitness Coach Sentenced to 3 Months for Stabbing Table, Posting Online Threat

A fitness coach in Pingtung, Taiwan, has been sentenced to three months in prison for threatening his supervisor. The coach, surnamed Zhang, was reportedly angered after being reprimanded by his female supervisor, identified as Ms. Zhan, for being late and not wearing his uniform during a meeting.

In response, Zhang allegedly pulled out a Swiss Army knife from his locker and forcefully stabbed it into the table next to Ms. Zhan. The force of the stab was significant enough to embed the blade into the wooden surface. This incident occurred in April of the previous year.

Adding to the intimidation, Zhang later posted a threatening message on his Instagram account: "This time the table, next time the stomach." Ms. Zhan reported the incident to her superiors, and two days later, she saw the post, which she interpreted as a direct threat to her physical safety, causing her to feel fearful.

Zhang claimed he was merely expressing his emotions and did not intend to threaten Ms. Zhan. He stated that he posted the message after being informed by higher management that he could no longer work at the club, feeling it was unfair. However, the Pingtung District Court found Zhang lacked respect for others' safety and the rule of law. The court sentenced him to three months in prison for intimidation, with the option to pay a fine. He can also appeal the ruling.