Convicted Indigenous Artist Sakuliu Arrested and Jailed Amid Escape Concerns
Paiwan artist Sakuliu Pavavalung, sentenced to 4.5 years for sexual assault, was arrested at a rental house in Pingtung after failing to be found at his residence. The Pingtung District Prosecutors Office confirmed he was sent to prison today, marking the end of his prestigious career and the revocation of his National Arts Award.
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- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 19:45
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PINGTUNG, April 22 (CNA) — The Pingtung District Prosecutors Office today announced the arrest and incarceration of Sakuliu Pavavalung, a renowned Paiwan artist from Pingtung, following his finalized 4.5-year prison sentence for sexual assault. Prosecutors initiated anti-escape measures after he was not found at his known residence, eventually locating him at a rental property last night.
According to a press release from the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office, Sakuliu Pavavalung was found guilty of sexual misconduct and sentenced to four years and six months in prison. His appeal was recently dismissed by the Supreme Court, making the sentence final.
Following the final judgment, the office directed the Pingtung County Police Bureau to conduct a visit to Sakuliu's residence, but he could not be contacted. Believing there was a substantial risk of flight, prosecutors issued an arrest warrant. At approximately 9 p.m. yesterday, he was apprehended at a rental house in Majia Township. Following an interrogation by a prosecutor at 8 a.m. today, he was ordered to be sent to prison for the execution of his sentence.
Sakuliu Pavavalung, an artist from Dashe Village in Sandimen Township, came from a family of multiple artists. He was known for his work in pottery, painting, and carving in wood and stone. He was a former recipient of the National Arts Award; however, following the final conviction in this case, the National Culture and Arts Foundation (NCAF) has revoked his award status and is recovering the NT$1 million prize money.
According to a press release from the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office, Sakuliu Pavavalung was found guilty of sexual misconduct and sentenced to four years and six months in prison. His appeal was recently dismissed by the Supreme Court, making the sentence final.
Following the final judgment, the office directed the Pingtung County Police Bureau to conduct a visit to Sakuliu's residence, but he could not be contacted. Believing there was a substantial risk of flight, prosecutors issued an arrest warrant. At approximately 9 p.m. yesterday, he was apprehended at a rental house in Majia Township. Following an interrogation by a prosecutor at 8 a.m. today, he was ordered to be sent to prison for the execution of his sentence.
Sakuliu Pavavalung, an artist from Dashe Village in Sandimen Township, came from a family of multiple artists. He was known for his work in pottery, painting, and carving in wood and stone. He was a former recipient of the National Arts Award; however, following the final conviction in this case, the National Culture and Arts Foundation (NCAF) has revoked his award status and is recovering the NT$1 million prize money.