Protesting against Tsai Ing-wen led to prosecution, unexpectedly due to high-level instructions telling subordinates to “fake a fall” to frame and arrest protesters. The illegal police officers involved even received promotions afterward. Today, the court ruling was released: “High-level instructions damaged the credibility of law enforcement.”
Retired police officer Huang Hsi-fu, due to his opposition to pension reforms, blew air horns multiple times as a petition and protest against President Tsai Ing-wen’s motorcade two years ago. Subsequently, a scuffle occurred and he was prosecuted. Chief Judge Chien Hsi-jung of the Changhua District Court examined 37 police body cameras and surveillance videos, discovering that superiors had actually instructed officers on the scene to “go with the flow and fall down” if pushed, so that protesters could be arrested as flagrant offenders.
The court ruling sternly criticized the instructions and pressure from high levels, which damaged the credibility of grassroots police officers and the state’s law enforcement. The court found Huang not guilty. However, it also reminded grassroots police officers that the only entity they should strictly obey is the “Constitution and laws of the country.”