TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – TPP founder Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) said Saturday he was attacked with pepper spray during an election campaign visit at a busy Taichung night market.

He was at Fengjia Night Market Friday evening to campaign for TPP Taichung City Council candidate Liu Chin-yu (劉芩妤), CNA reported. Ko told reporters that as he was walking, he covered his nose when he smelled a strange odor and left the scene immediately.

Other members of his entourage did not respond immediately to the alleged incident, he said. He added that he was still crying because of the pepper spray the next morning. Ko added that when he went out again to campaign in Changhua on Saturday, there were more police officers present than Friday.

Police are investigating his allegations, with Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) calling for quick results. Ko called on politicians to promote social harmony and to avoid divisive actions.

The former presidential candidate was sentenced to 17 years in prison on March 26 for bribery in connection with the Core Pacific City construction project, misappropriation of public funds, and embezzlement related to his 2024 campaign. Ko argued he was a victim of political persecution.