Woman Accused of Poisoning Australian Student Faces 12-Year Sentence Request; Verdict Due July 22

A woman surnamed Yang is accused of repeatedly mixing rat poison into the food of Australian student Alex Shorey, who was studying in Taiwan. She has been indicted by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for attempted murder. During the trial at the Taipei District Court, Yang denied the charges, claiming the rat poison was for her own use. Prosecutors, citing Shorey's medical records and psychiatric evaluations, argued that Yang poisoned him three times and showed no remorse. Given her lack of effort to seek a settlement or compensation, prosecutors requested a sentence of at least 12 years. Shorey testified that he fell severely ill shortly after telling Yang he planned to return to Australia. The verdict is scheduled for July 22.