Taiwanese Politician Slams Police Action Against Satirical Video Editor

Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang has strongly criticized the police's questioning of a social media editor involved in producing an animated short film that satirizes President Lai Ching-te. The film, titled "Principal Lai," reportedly drew the attention of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, prompting Huang to accuse the government of intimidation and a crackdown on free expression.

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To them, the Code of Criminal Procedure is simply not important; what's important is not to make President Lai Ching-te unhappy.

"To them, the Code of Criminal Procedure is simply not important; what's important is not to make President Lai Ching-te unhappy," Huang stated, expressing his belief that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is prioritizing the president's comfort over legal due process. He questioned the legitimacy of the police's actions, asking, "On what grounds did the Criminal Investigation Bureau use a phone call, on what grounds did they directly approach the person? Have they forgotten due process? Should they go back and re-read the Code of Criminal Procedure?"

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On what grounds did the Criminal Investigation Bureau use a phone call, on what grounds did they directly approach the person? Have they forgotten due process? Should they go back and re-read the Code of Criminal Procedure?

Huang drew a stark contrast with the previous administration under Ma Ying-jeou, recalling widespread protests and satirical content that went unchallenged. "How is it that under President Lai's leadership, the 'democracy' and 'progress' in the Democratic Progressive Party's name can truly be thrown into the trash can?" he asked. He argued that the incident sends a clear message: "Don't dare to make 'Principal Lai' anymore, don't let people know that President Lai Ching-te is truly a liar." The implication, he warned, is that anyone who dares to satirize the president faces repercussions from law enforcement.

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How is it that under President Lai's leadership, the 'democracy' and 'progress' in the Democratic Progressive Party's name can truly be thrown into the trash can?

This action, Huang contended, represents a dangerous regression for Taiwan's democracy, pushing it back towards an "authoritarian era." He vowed that the Taiwan People's Party would investigate the legal procedures involved, aiming to clarify whether the police's actions violated due process. The core of his criticism lies in the perceived misuse of state power to silence dissent and stifle creativity, particularly when directed at the highest levels of government.

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This action sends a very simple message, which is to intimidate all Taiwanese people: don't dare to make 'Principal Lai' anymore, don't let people know that President Lai Ching-te is truly a liar.