Suspect in Assault on Akio Yaita Attempts to Flee Country in Disguise, Detained

(Central News Agency, Taichung, July 7) A man surnamed Liao, originally from mainland China and holding Hong Kong residency, attacked Akio Yaita, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, in Taichung yesterday and fled. He was apprehended by police at Taichung Airport as he attempted to leave the country. He was subsequently prosecuted under the Anti-Infiltration Act and other charges, and after a hearing, the prosecutor's office successfully applied for his detention and prohibition from meeting visitors.

The Taiwan Taichung District Court held a detention hearing late tonight at 8:30 PM. After deliberation, the court found that Liao is suspected of serious offenses including assault, and that there are grounds and necessity for detention. The court ruled to detain him and prohibit him from meeting visitors.

On July 6, Yaita was punched in the face and attacked by the 33-year-old Liao, surnamed Liao, after attending a camp event organized by the Chunyu Cultural and Educational Foundation in Taichung. Liao fled the scene. Police, having learned that Liao intended to leave the country after the crime, rushed to Taichung Airport and apprehended him as he attempted to flee in disguise.

Police investigation revealed that Liao, originally from Guangdong, mainland China, and holding Hong Kong residency, had previously visited Taiwan in January of this year under the guise of tourism, staying for over a month before departing. This time, he entered Taiwan on July 2 through Taichung Airport, also under the guise of tourism, and checked into a hotel in Taichung City. During his stay, he moved between two to three different locations, with his last lodging being a hotel opposite the crime scene, where he observed the surrounding routes.

Furthermore, police discovered that Liao had contacted specific individuals during his stay in Taiwan, but these individuals had already left the country before the incident. Police are continuing to review communication records and other evidence to investigate whether there were other accomplices and to clarify the motive for the crime. After police questioning today, Liao was transferred to the Taiwan Taichung District Prosecutors Office for further questioning on charges including the Anti-Infiltration Act, public insult, and assault under the Criminal Code.

After the prosecutor's questioning, it was determined that Liao is suspected of serious offenses including assault under the Criminal Code. Considering that he is a foreign national without a fixed residence in Taiwan, and that he immediately proceeded to the airport to prepare for departure after the incident, there is a high possibility of him destroying evidence, colluding with accomplices, or with masterminds behind the scenes. There is also a risk of him repeatedly committing assault offenses. Therefore, the prosecutor's office applied to the Taichung District Court for detention and prohibition from meeting visitors. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150707

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