Ko Wen-je Chili Water Incident: Precinct Chief Demoted, Lawmakers Question Proportionality

Taichung, April 20 (CNA) - Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je was allegedly attacked with chili water at Fengjia Night Market in Taichung. Following an investigation, the Taichung City Police Bureau announced that Sixth Precinct Chief Chou Chun-ming was responsible for the incident due to a mistaken spray. Chou has been reprimanded twice and removed from his supervisory post. Police Commissioner Wu Jing-tian has requested disciplinary action for himself and apologized to the TPP. Kuomintang (KMT) Taichung City Council whip Li Zhong stated that while testing chili water in a crowded night market was improper and warranted punishment, the severity of demotion seemed excessive. He suggested that police disciplinary actions should be based on the incident's impact and warned against political factors leading to harsh penalties, which would not align with public will or proportionality. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taichung City Council group leader Zhou Yong-hong questioned the city government's swift action, including demotion and referral for prosecution, against the precinct chief for mishandling faulty equipment, especially given the incident involved Ko Wen-je, a political ally of the ruling party. He suggested the city might be rushing to provide an explanation and scapegoating the chief to resolve the issue. Commissioner Wu explained at the press conference that Chou, as a precinct chief, committed a blunder, hence the aggravated punishment of two reprimands, making him unsuitable for the chief position. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150420