TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Prosecutors on Tuesday asked a court to detain a Chinese suspect accused of attacking Japanese journalist Yaita Akio in Taichung and to bar him from contacting other people involved in the case.
CNA reported that the suspect is a 33-year-old Chinese man surnamed Liao, who held a Hong Kong passport. Police said Liao punched Yaita in the face and fled after the journalist finished speaking at a Spring Rain Education Foundation event in Taichung on Monday.
Police said Liao tried to leave Taiwan soon after the attack. Officers arrested him at Taichung International Airport before he could board a flight.
Investigators said Liao entered Taiwan last Thursday as a tourist. Police said he stayed at several places in Taichung and later booked a hotel across from the attack site, where he appeared to watch the area before the assault, Liberty Times reported.
Police said Liao had contacted other people during his stay in Taiwan. Investigators are checking communication records to find out whether anyone helped plan or carry out the attack.
Taichung District Prosecutors Office said it formed a special team after the attack. Prosecutors said they reviewed Liao’s statements, witness accounts, seized items, and security camera footage, TTV News reported.
Prosecutors said Liao was a foreign national with no fixed home in Taiwan and tried to leave the country right after the attack. They said there was also a risk he could destroy evidence, contact possible accomplices or possible organizers of the attack, or commit another assault.
Police sent Liao to prosecutors on suspicion of assault, public insult, and violating the Anti-Infiltration Act. Liao did not answer reporters’ questions when police took him from the station.
