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Taiwanese legislator accuses rivals of physical assault in council

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Taiwanese opposition legislator accused two ruling party lawmakers of physically assaulting her during a heated council session.
  • The legislator alleged she was pushed and elbowed, demanding apologies and disciplinary action against the accused.
  • The incident occurred during a debate over controversial 'carcinogenic oil' policies, highlighting deep political divisions.

A member of Taiwan's opposition party has accused two lawmakers from the ruling party of physically assaulting her during a contentious city council meeting. Chen Yu-jung, a legislator in the Taichung City Council, released video footage she claims shows her being pushed and elbowed by Kuomintang (KMT) councilors Lai Yi-huang and Lin Hao-yu.

The council is not a place for violent confrontation. When a legislator speaks on behalf of citizens, they should not be ostracized or treated with violence.

— Chen Yu-jungThe legislator described the incident and her stance on political discourse.

The alleged assault occurred amidst a heated debate over policies related to "carcinogenic oil." Opposition lawmakers had surrounded Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, leading to a chaotic scuffle. Chen Yu-jung stated that the KMT lawmakers attacked her while she was speaking, demanding apologies and that they be sent to the council's disciplinary committee. Visibly emotional, she emphasized that the council chamber should not be a place for physical confrontation and that elected representatives should not be silenced by violence.

Chen Yu-jung also indicated she would file a separate sexual harassment complaint against Lai Yi-huang. In response, Lai Yi-hu claimed he was unaware of any specific actions and invoked a proverb about "praising good deeds in public and admitting faults in private." Lin Hao-yu stated he had no recollection of pushing Chen Yu-jung and that any contact during the general jostling was unintentional.

Yesterday, all councilors were rushing forward, I don't know what happened, I don't know how to apologize.

— Lai Yi-huangOne of the accused lawmakers responded to the allegations.

Colleagues from Chen Yu-jung's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rallied in her support, condemning the alleged violence and calling the incident disrespectful to female legislators. They argued that while political debate can be confrontational, it should not involve physical assault or bullying. The council speaker acknowledged the incident, urging mutual respect among councilors and caution to avoid misunderstandings.

Yesterday was chaotic and there was jostling. I have no impression of what Chen Yu-jung said. Even if there was contact, it was definitely not intentional.

— Lin Hao-yuThe other accused lawmaker addressed the accusations of physical contact.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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