Former Taiwan Democracy Lab Chairman's 30-Day Detention for Sexual Harassment Finalized

Chang Yao-chung, former chairman of the Taiwan Democracy Lab, who was accused of sexually harassing a man, was sentenced to 30 days of detention, commutable to a fine, in the first trial. Following an appeal, the Taiwan High Court, in the second instance, recently rejected the appeal, upholding the 30-day detention sentence, commutable to a fine. The verdict is now final.

According to the verdict, on the evening of June 26, 2024, at a bar in Taipei City, Chang said to the victim, "Looking at me like that gives me feelings," and then, before the victim could resist, hugged and kissed his cheek. Although the victim felt uncomfortable, he did not immediately express his displeasure due to Chang's position of power.

The verdict stated that later, at the Taipei MRT Xinyi Anhe Station, Chang, while giving a farewell hug, again kissed the victim's cheek, said something to the effect of "just taking a little advantage," and reached out to touch the victim's genitals. The startled victim stepped back and reported the incident to the police.

The Taipei District Court, in the first instance, sentenced Chang to 30 days of detention for sexual harassment under the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act. The case was appealed and heard by the Taiwan High Court in the second instance.