Keelung Kindergarten Suspected of Abuse Faces Protest; City Government Not Ruling Out Closure

(Central News Agency, reporter Shen Ruifeng, Keelung, July 4) A kindergarten in Keelung City is suspected of child abuse, and the city government announced the first phase of its investigation results, ordering the kindergarten to suspend new admissions for 1 year. However, parents are dissatisfied with the disciplinary outcome and protested today by throwing eggs at the kindergarten. The city government responded that there will be a second phase of investigation, and if the situation is more severe, closure will not be ruled out.

A private kindergarten in Qidu District, Keelung City, was recently involved in a suspected child abuse case, with multiple children reportedly harmed and showing bruises.

The city government yesterday announced the first phase of administrative investigation results, stating that after convening the "Committee for the Determination of Violations by Early Childhood Educators and Caregivers," two involved educators were found to have violated the "Early Childhood Education and Care Service Personnel Act" with serious consequences. Each was fined NT$400,000 and permanently barred from serving as an early childhood educator or caregiver. As for the kindergarten, the person in charge was fined a maximum of NT$60,000 according to the same act, and the kindergarten was ordered to suspend new admissions for 1 year.

The city government also stated that during the investigation, it was discovered that in addition to the two involved educators in the original class, other educators also exhibited inappropriate treatment of children when supporting this class, and a second phase of investigation has been initiated.

Parents of children at this kindergarten, dissatisfied with the city government's disciplinary outcome, deeming it too lenient, went to the kindergarten today to throw eggs and unfurl protest banners.

Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang emphasized in a press release that the city government will definitely hold those responsible accountable according to the law and pursue the matter to the end. After the administrative accountability is completed, the city government will proceed with the judicial accountability process in accordance with the "Protection of Children and Youth Welfare and Rights Act," filing an independent lawsuit with the Keelung District Prosecutors Office and transferring the surveillance footage, interview records, and related evidence collected during the administrative investigation to the judicial authorities for investigation, fully pursuing the criminal responsibility of the relevant personnel.

Hsieh Kuo-liang pointed out that if the second phase of the investigation reveals that the inappropriate treatment of children extends beyond one class, the case will be dealt with strictly according to the law, and the most severe penalty of closure for the kindergarten will not be ruled out. At the same time, the city government's Department of Education has been instructed to proactively assess the educational needs and placement measures for affected children, so that if a closure measure is necessary, the impact on children and parents will be minimized. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150704

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