Kindergarten Abuse Case: Mayor Chiang Promises Swift and Severe Action

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Yu-ting, Taipei, 16th) Yesterday, independent Taipei City Councilor Hsu Li-hsin and over ten parents accused a private chain kindergarten in Zhongzheng District of systemic child abuse. Today, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated before delivering his policy report at the city council that the city government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of child abuse and will stand firmly with parents and children. He expects the investigation to be completed and severe disciplinary actions to be taken by the end of this month.

Hsu Li-hsin and over ten parents reported yesterday that teachers at the kindergarten dragged children into classrooms, forced them to crawl on all fours in hallways like dogs, or used physical violence. They claim there are at least 12 victims and have urged the Taipei City Government to establish a cross-departmental task force and assign dedicated personnel to assist parents in reviewing surveillance footage.

Mayor Chiang said today that the city government takes a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of abuse. The Department of Education immediately fined the kindergarten upon discovery and proactively provided facilities and space for parents to view surveillance recordings.

Chiang added that the city will also provide professional legal consultation through lawyers, social work support, and assistance with transferring to other kindergartens. The investigation will be expedited and completed by the end of the month, with strict, swift, and severe disciplinary measures to follow.

The Taipei Department of Education stated yesterday that after receiving notification from the kindergarten on June 26, it immediately suspended the involved childcare staff and prohibited them from entering the premises. On July 2, the review panel decided to formally initiate an investigation. Subsequently, another staff member was found to be involved and was also immediately suspended.

The Department has fined the kindergarten NT$30,000 for delayed reporting. Additionally, it conducted a comprehensive inspection of other kindergartens and cram schools operated by the same entity and found violations of childcare service regulations, resulting in a NT$120,000 fine under the Early Childhood Education and Care Act. It also imposed a NT$50,000 fine under the Supplementary and Continuing Education Act for hiring unapproved staff.

Regarding online rumors that Mayor Chiang wears shoe lifts, he denied the claim today, stating he does not wear them and does not need to, as his son is already taller than him. (Edited by Chang Ming-kun) 1150716