Artist Sakuliu Sentenced to 4 Years and 6 Months for Sexual Assault, Verdict Finalized

(Central News Agency reporter Hsieh Chun-lin, Taipei, 17th) Paiwan artist and National Award for Arts laureate Sakuliu Pavavaljung, accused by a woman of sexual assault, was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison for forced sexual intercourse by both the first and second instance courts. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court, which recently rejected the appeal, finalizing the verdict.

The first instance Pingtung District Court judgment stated that on February 9, 2021, Sakuliu Pavavaljung, at his residence in Sandimen Township, Pingtung County, after drinking and talking with a woman who was working and learning from him, invited her out. Around 1 or 2 AM the next day, Sakuliu drove a small truck with the woman to a riverbed in the Dashe Stream Valley in Sandimen Township, where he laid out sleeping mats and lit a fire, lying next to the woman on the mats.

The judgment mentioned that Sakuliu put his arm around the woman's shoulder. When the woman pushed him away, he did not let go and forcibly pressed her onto the sleeping mat, demanding sexual intercourse. The woman, being alone in an unfamiliar environment, feared unforeseen danger and was in a state of confusion, not daring to disobey. Sakuliu ignored the woman's pushing and verbal refusal and proceeded with sexual intercourse. Subsequently, Sakuliu's friend approached, and Sakuliu asked the woman to hide nearby. After his friend left, he continued the forced sexual intercourse.

The judge, based on the woman's diagnostic certificate and medical records, communication software chat records, on-site photos, and witness testimonies, determined that Sakuliu had committed forced sexual intercourse against the woman's will. Considering that Sakuliu was a learning mentor to the woman, yet failed to control himself, his motive and purpose were improper, and he did not respect the woman's right to sexual autonomy, causing the woman an irreparable psychological shadow and trauma. After the crime, he made excuses and showed no remorse, but negotiated monetary compensation with the woman. The first instance sentenced him to 4 years and 6 months.

The case was appealed to the second instance, heard by the Kaohsiung Branch of the Taiwan High Court. The collegiate panel believed that the original judgment was correct in its recognition of facts and application of law, and the sentencing was appropriate, without any undue bias or illegality, thus rejecting the appeal.

Sakuliu was dissatisfied with the judgment and filed an appeal. After deliberation, the Supreme Court found that the second instance judgment did not violate laws and rejected the appeal on the 1st of this month, making the case final.

Sakuliu Pavavaljung is a Paiwan artist from Sandimen Township, residing in Dashe Village, Sandimen Township. His family has several artists, and he was immersed in art from a young age, engaging in pottery, painting, and wood and stone carving. He is the recipient of the 20th National Award for Arts. (Editor: Lee Hsi-chang) 1150417

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