Kaohsiung Police Officer Accused of Voyeurism; Victim Appeals Non-Indictment Citing Lack of Evidence and Alleged Cover-Up

(CNA, Taipei, May 19) A Kaohsiung police officer surnamed Tu illegally filmed the private body parts of women who came to report cases. While cases involving six women have been indicted, another woman's case was not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence. The victim said today that although the case was not prosecuted, it was the result of a police cover-up, where they failed to seize the officer's phone immediately, aiding in the destruction of evidence. She has filed for a review of the decision through her lawyer. The Kaohsiung City Police Department stated yesterday that it has decisively dismissed Officer Tu and supports the victim's right to request a review. The city police department told the media today that it will deeply reflect on this disciplinary case, assign dedicated personnel to continue caring for the victim, provide all necessary protection and assistance, and strictly pursue the supervisory responsibilities of relevant officials. New Power Party Chairwoman Wang Wan-yu accompanied the victim, Ms. Y (alias), to explain the case today. Ms. Y stated that on the day of the incident, she had a conflict with a friend, and the hotel helped call the police. Officer Tu entered the room, locked the door "to avoid disturbing other guests," but did not ask about the incident, only whether she was injured. Ms. Y said she twice confirmed she was not injured, but Officer Tu, citing an official investigation, demanded she take off her jacket to check her limbs. Although she felt puzzled, she trusted the officer was there to help and complied, wearing only a camisole and shorts. Ms. Y became emotional while recounting that Officer Tu then directed her to raise her hands, lie down, lie face down, and stand in a corner. Officer Tu used a square, unidentified device to film her, spending a considerable amount of time on her upper body, thighs, buttocks, and groin area. Ms. Y also alleged that Officer Tu fabricated details in the case report about her emotional instability and her relationship with her friend. Ms. Y questioned why the police did not seize Officer Tu's 3C devices immediately when she filed her complaint, gave her statement, and filed charges, giving him a chance to delete the images. The police later claimed the photos could not be recovered, a claim that has been refuted online as "impossible not to recover." She therefore believes the actions of the prosecutors and investigators are "a cover-up among officials." Wang Wan-yu pointed out that after Ms. Y revealed the incident and filed a report, at least six other victims have successively come forward. She believes the Kaohsiung City Government, social welfare departments, and judicial authorities should fully explain this incident. The police should not continue to cause secondary harm to Ms. Y with a passive attitude and should clearly explain the measures taken against Officer Tu, future assistance, and prevention methods. Wang said that Ms. Y has already applied for a review with her lawyer's help. She hopes that by sharing her experience, more victims will know that "it is not your fault, the fault lies entirely with the perpetrators," and hopes the public will give them more respect and space. (Editor: Yang Lan-hsuan) 1150519