Former President of Taichung Bar Association Slapped in Court; Woman Struggles with Bailiffs, Hearing Descends into Chaos

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, June 17) — The trial resumed today in the case of Wu Chung-ho, a lawyer and former president of the Taichung Bar Association, who was allegedly slapped by a woman surnamed Lin while attending a court hearing at Taichung District Court. The defendant denied the charges, retracted her previous statements, and clashed with court bailiffs, causing a temporary breakdown in courtroom order. The verdict is scheduled for July 22.

The Taichung District Court convened this morning. When the presiding judge asked for Lin’s opinion, she suddenly became emotionally agitated, denied the crime, and began speaking about matters unrelated to the case, prompting the judge to intervene.

During Wu Chung-ho’s statement, Lin shouted, 'You’re demanding 300 billion from me?' and 'Are you crazy?' She stood up abruptly, prompting court bailiffs to increase security and record the incident. Dissatisfied, Lin protested, leading the judge to order a five-minute recess.

Upon resuming, Lin struggled with the bailiffs, causing a brief loss of control. Reinforcements arrived and restrained her. During other victims’ testimonies, Lin continued to shout and disrupt the proceedings. The trial concluded its arguments, and the presiding judge announced that the verdict will be delivered on July 22.

The incident originated from a civil dispute between Lin and her relatives. She became resentful toward the lawyers representing her brother in litigation. During a first-instance hearing at Taichung District Court, Lin verbally abused a female lawyer appointed by her brother and attempted to slap her, though the lawyer dodged the attack.

At a subsequent hearing, when her brother appointed another female lawyer, Lin chased and assaulted her, pulled her hair, and splashed an unknown liquid.

After the case was appealed, during a second-instance hearing at the Taichung Branch of Taiwan’s High Court, a third female lawyer representing her brother was again verbally abused and threatened by Lin.

Two of the victimized lawyers filed complaints. The Taichung District Prosecutors’ Office investigated and indicted Lin on charges of assault, intimidation, and public insult under the Criminal Code.

In February, during a court session, Wu Chung-ho and Hou Pei-chi, secretary-general of the Taichung Bar Association, attended as observers. Lin took out her mobile phone and photographed Wu and others, threatening to kill them.

On March 17, before another hearing, Wu and several lawyers arrived to observe. Lin slapped Wu outside the courtroom, causing injury, and verbally abused him. The next day, she posted threats on Facebook, vowing to kill Wu and others. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150617