TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese prosecutors on Tuesday detained a Chinese national surnamed Liao, accused of assaulting Japanese journalist and commentator Yaita Akio.
The Taichung District Prosecutors Office said the case was no longer being treated as a simple assault, but as an attack targeting a public commentator that threatened public security and freedom of speech, per Liberty Times. Prosecutors said Liao was transferred for investigation on suspicion of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act and other offenses.
According to prosecutors, 33-year-old Liao Gangfa, a Hong Kong resident, allegedly punched Yaita after he gave a speech at the Tempus Hotel in Taichung on Monday. Yaita said the man called out to him, said something he could not understand, then punched him in the face, causing his lip to bleed before walking away, per FTV News.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and other evidence to identify Liao and trace his movements after the attack. Authorities alleged he changed clothes, discarded the clothing worn during the assault, and headed directly to the airport.
A task force pursued Liao and detained him at Terminal 2 of the Taichung International Airport, per UDN. Investigators seized the black clothing allegedly worn during the attack, as well as his mobile phone and passport.
After questioning Liao, prosecutors said they found evidence supporting allegations of assault and public insult through violence. They also said the case showed signs of a premeditated, paid act of "cross-border repression" allegedly directed by overseas forces.
Police found that Liao had been in contact with certain individuals while in Taiwan, per CNA. However, one of those contacts had already left the country before the attack, and investigators are reviewing call records and other communications to determine whether additional accomplices were involved and establish the motive.
Prosecutors requested that the Taichung District Court detain Liao incommunicado, citing his lack of a fixed residence, alleged attempt to leave Taiwan, and risk of destroying evidence or colluding with others. The court approved the request Tuesday night.
