TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Keelung Department of Civil Affairs Director Chang Yuan-hsiang (張淵翔) was released on bail of NT$400,000 (US$12,400) on Tuesday evening.
Chang was accused of using the household registration system to assist recall campaigns targeting DPP city councilors Cheng Wen-ting (鄭文婷) and Jiho Chang (張之豪), per CNA. Prosecutors accused Chang of providing signatures of deceased individuals.
Earlier that day, prosecutors issued search warrants for investigators to enter six locations, including the KMT Keelung City Party Headquarters. They also searched the residences of recall leaders Chi Wen-chuan (紀文荃), Yu Cheng-i (游正義), and Hsu Shao-yeh (許紹業), who were interrogated.
After interrogation, it was determined that Chang, Chi, and KMT committee director of Renai District Chang Jin-fa (張金發) violated Article 41 of the Personal Data Protection Act by illegally using personal data by non-public agencies. Each was suspected of forging data, destroying evidence, and collusion.
The Keelung District Court began detention hearings at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and concluded at 11 p.m. Chang Yuan-hsiang was given bail and restricted to his residence, while Chi and Chang Jin-fa remained in detention and held incommunicado.
