Judge Controversially Orders Convenience Store Attacker to Report to Prosecutor; Kaohsiung Prosecutors to Appeal for Third Time

Kaohsiung - A woman surnamed Lee, in her 60s, lost control at a convenience store in Kaohsiung's Xinxing District last February, hitting a 28-year-old female clerk on the head with a wine bottle and throwing bottles at others. Following her indictment for assault, Kaohsiung prosecutors requested her continued detention. However, Judge Chen of the Kaohsiung District Court rejected the request.

Prosecutor Zhang appealed the decision and succeeded twice in having the ruling overturned by a higher court. Despite this, Judge Chen persistently denied detention, instead granting release with residential restrictions and an unusual condition: Lee must report to Prosecutor Zhang every Wednesday afternoon starting May 1. This move has sparked intense debate in legal circles.

Kaohsiung District Prosecutor's Office explained today that given Lee's behavioral patterns and mental state, there is a high risk of recidivism, making detention necessary. They emphasized that while higher courts have twice supported the prosecution's appeals and remanded the case, Judge Chen's repeated refusal to follow the remand intent undermines judicial consistency. Prosecutors argued that Lee poses a significant public safety risk and that the judge failed to fully evaluate the feasibility and risk control of the reporting order. They confirmed they will immediately file a third appeal to prevent further harm to the victim and society.