Hengchun Council Chairman's 6-Month Sentence for Crashing into Nuclear Plant Gate Upheld in Second Trial

(CNA, Kaohsiung, May 19) After a fire at the Third Nuclear Power Plant last year, Hengchun Township Council Chairman Chao Chi-ming sought to enter the plant to assess the situation. He became dissatisfied after being told by plant staff that he needed to file an application and allegedly rammed his car into the facility's main gate. He was sentenced to six months in the first trial; upon appeal, the Kaohsiung High Court branch upheld the original sentence for obstructing official duties.

The Pingtung District Court had initially sentenced Chao to a 6-month prison term, convertible to a fine, for obstructing the performance of public duties with a motor vehicle. Prosecutors appealed the case. However, the Taiwan High Court's Kaohsiung branch considered Chao's post-offense attitude, the fact that he was forgiven by the police, and his settlement with the nuclear plant. It found the original sentence reasonable and today rejected the prosecutor's appeal, upholding the sentence. The entire case can still be appealed.

The case stems from a fire at the Third Nuclear Power Plant on March 6, 114th year of the Republic of China (2025). Chao Chi-ming, Chairman of the Pingtung County Hengchun Township Council, drove to the plant and informed the public relations manager of his intent to enter and understand the situation. He was told he must follow procedures and apply for entry.

Consequently, Chao became dissatisfied and allegedly drove his car into the police officers and the roll-up gate at the plant's entrance, causing damage to the gate. After the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office concluded its investigation, it indicted him and recommended a heavy sentence of over 8 months to the court. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua)