TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A suspect in the assault of veteran journalist Yaita Akio was arrested at Taichung International Airport on Monday after attempting to leave Taiwan on a flight to Busan, South Korea.
Yaita was attacked shortly after delivering a speech at the Tempus Hotel in Taichung on Monday, per CNA. The suspect, a 33-year-old Chinese national surnamed Liao (廖), followed Yaita as he left the venue.
Video footage shows Liao trailing Yaita from the hotel lobby, closing the distance before appearing to shout and then punching him in the face, per Liberty Times. Yaita suffered injuries, including bleeding from the mouth, before the suspect fled the scene.
Police formed a task force and reviewed surveillance footage to identify Liao and track his movements. Investigators assessed that he might attempt to leave Taiwan by air and alerted airport authorities.
Liao was intercepted and arrested at Taichung International Airport before boarding his flight, per FTV News. He is now in custody as investigators examine his motive and whether the attack was premeditated or involved accomplices.
