TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The leader of two recall campaigns targeting Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators in Kaohsiung was arrested Saturday on suspicion of forging signatures.
Hsu Shang-hsien (徐尚賢), chief organizer of the “Double Strike” recall campaign targeting legislators Hsu Chih-jie (許智傑) and Huang Chieh (黃捷), was detained by prosecutors for violating the Personal Data Protection Act, per CNA.
Hsu’s arrest came one day after police raided the campaign headquarters, seized documents, and questioned workers. Prosecutors allege Hsu tampered with evidence and coached other organizers on how to obstruct the investigation.
On Sunday, the Kaohsiung District Court said Hsu admitted multiple signatures on the recall petitions had been forged. However, he denied allegations of illegally collecting and using personal data.
Prosecutors seized two mobile phones and said Hsu confessed to deleting messages related to the illegal activity. They also believe he instructed two other recall organizers, surnamed Huang (黃) and Chu (朱), on how to handle investigators.
Authorities said further charges may be filed and additional individuals questioned as the investigation continues. The court approved Hsu’s detention without visitation rights for two months.