Precinct Chief Mis-Sprays Pepper Spray, Transferred; Taichung Police Bureau: Ko Wen-je Called Hoping for No Transfer

Central News Agency (Reporter Zhao Liyan, Taichung 27th) People's Party founder Ko Wen-je was sprayed with pepper spray during a street sweep in Taichung on the 17th. Police investigations revealed that Chou Chun-ming, chief of the Taichung City Police Bureau's Sixth Precinct, accidentally sprayed it during inspection duties, causing the incident. Police Chief Wu Jing-tian stated today that Ko Wen-je had called to inquire whether the transfer could be waived. The Taichung City Council today convened a query session on police, fire, and environmental health affairs. Democratic Progressive Party councilors Lin Te-yu, Chen Yu-jung, and Chen Shu-hua questioned the incident where Ko Wen-je was sprayed with pepper spray during a street sweep in Taichung, and Chou Chun-ming was disciplined with two demerits and transferred from his current position. Wu Jing-tian pointed out that Chou Chun-ming used pepper spray in Fengjia Night Market without following regulations. After media reports and his denial during the investigation process, Chou Chun-ming's decision-making and duty performance were deemed inappropriate, affecting police reputation, hence the disciplinary action and transfer. He reported this matter to Mayor Lu Shiow-yen on the 19th. Chen Yu-jung and Chen Shu-hua questioned if Wu Jing-tian had received a call from Ko Wen-je. Wu Jing-tian replied that Ko Wen-je had his secretary call him four times, and during the conversations, Ko Wen-je mentioned, "Is it possible for him not to be transferred?" Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin also said that he had a phone conversation with People's Party Secretary-General Chou Yu-hsiu, informing him of the investigation results, case progress, and that a press conference would be held. Chen Yu-jung pointed out that Lu Shiow-yen knew about Chou Chun-ming spraying pepper spray on the 19th but allowed the incident to escalate, focusing on the People's Party as the victim, treating police personnel as political sacrifices, causing irreparable damage to the Taichung City Government's police discipline and morale. Lin Te-yu believes that the disciplinary action and transfer for improper use of pepper spray are not proportional. Police represent state power and do not serve individuals or political parties, nor are they influenced by specific political events. Lu Shiow-yen used Ko Wen-je's street sweep disturbance case to declare "public safety will not be threatened," but after clarifying the case had nothing to do with public safety, she then said she respected the National Police Agency. Lin Te-yu suggested that Lu Shiow-yen handles public safety based on personal considerations. (Editor: Chen Ren-hua) 1150427