Female Aide Allegedly Sexually Harassed; Huang Shih-chieh Reports Case to Taoyuan Police

(CNA Reporter Wu Jui-chi, Taoyuan, 18th) DPP's candidate for Taoyuan mayor, Huang Shih-chieh, stated today that his female aide was physically sexually harassed by a local figure during an engagement. A police report has been filed and the matter is now under judicial investigation. He hopes to change the political culture and create a safer, more dignified working environment. Huang Shih-chieh issued a statement in the afternoon, saying that during a local event on the evening of the 16th, a local figure, in full public view and taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, persistently advanced on his female aide. Even though the aide looked terrified and kept backing away, and an aide of a fellow party councilor tried to intervene, the person continued to make physical contact, sexually harassing the female aide. Huang, who was greeting constituents table by table, only learned of his aide's ordeal after leaving the event, which he found deeply regrettable and painful. Huang Shih-chieh pointed out, "This incident completely crossed the bottom line of values I have long upheld." He stated that such things should not happen, whether in the workplace or any public setting, and for political workers, the workplace encompasses almost every corner of the city. Huang said that the local political environment has many power and relationship imbalances, and there are voices that ask junior colleagues to "consider the bigger picture." But if a politician cannot even protect their own team members for the sake of the so-called "bigger picture," how can they protect the rights of city government colleagues, let alone the 2.35 million citizens of Taoyuan. Accompanied by DPP Taoyuan City Councilors Hsu Chia-jui, Huang Chiung-hui, and the team, the aide has gone to the Guangxing Police Station in Bade District to file a report, hoping for a fair and reasonable investigation and disposition by the judicial authorities. Huang Shih-chieh stated that choosing to step forward and file a report is not only to protect the victim and give the perpetrator a due warning but also to create a safer, more dignified working environment for all frontline political professionals. "Changing the political culture starts with refusing to be silent." Huang hopes that all sectors will face the problem squarely and work together to change the atmosphere, making Taoyuan a truly friendly, healthy, and progressive city. (Editor: Lee Hsi-chang) 1150518