Taiwan's Political Turmoil: KMT Staffers Face Detention Over Signature Scandal

Prosecutors Seek Detention of Four Individuals Amidst Allegations of Forgery and Personal Data Breaches

Taipei, Taiwan – The political landscape in Taiwan is roiled by a developing scandal as Taipei prosecutors seek the detention of four staff members affiliated with the Kuomintang (KMT), the main opposition party. The move stems from allegations of falsified signatures collected during a campaign aimed at recalling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers.

The individuals facing potential detention are Huang Lu Ching-ju (黃呂錦茹), the KMT Taipei Chapter chief; Chu Wen-ching (初文卿), the chapter secretary-general; Yao Fu-wen (姚富文), a chapter secretary; and Tseng Fan-chuan (曾繁川), first district committee executive director. They were actively involved in a KMT-backed initiative to recall DPP legislators Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) and Wu Pei-yi (吳沛憶), who represent Taipei's first and fifth electoral districts, respectively.

Prosecutors are requesting the Taipei District Court to authorize the detention of these four individuals incommunicado, citing suspicion of criminal forgery and violations of the Personal Data Protection Act. This decision comes after an investigation was launched following reports of fabricated personal information on recall petitions targeting the two DPP lawmakers.

Prosecutors expressed concern that the individuals might attempt to flee, collude with others, or destroy evidence. The investigation began after reports of falsified personal information on recall petitions targeting the two DPP lawmakers.

The investigation began with the summoning of six individuals, including Lee Hsiao-liang (李孝亮) and Chang Ke-chin (張克晉), who led the recall efforts against Wu Szu-yao and Wu Pei-yi. Several, including Lee, were later released on bail ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$500,000 (approximately US$6,135 to US$15,337), while Chang was released after questioning without bail.

Following a review of statements, prosecutors conducted searches of the KMT headquarters in Taipei, along with the offices and residences of Huang, Chu, Yao, and Tseng. These four were subsequently brought in for questioning.

The developments have ignited strong reactions. KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) led a protest outside the Taipei prosecutors' office, decrying what he called “judicial injustice.” He, along with party members and supporters, chanted slogans and accused President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) of manipulating the judiciary.

In response, Eric Chu announced a rally to be held on April 26 on Ketagalan Boulevard, in front of the Presidential Office, to denounce President Lai Ching-te.