Control Yuan Censures Taichung City Over Baseball Coach Abuse Case; Mayor Lu Calls for 'Good Citizen Certificate' Reform

Central News Agency, Taichung, May 25. The Control Yuan has censured the Taichung City Education Bureau regarding the case of a baseball coach surnamed Sung who committed forced indecency against children. Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen expressed dissatisfaction with the report today, noting that it failed to address issues with the 'Good Citizen Certificate' (Police Criminal Record Certificate). A baseball coach at a Taichung elementary school committed 90 counts of forced indecency against dozens of children. Control Yuan members Chi Hui-jung and Wang Li-chen stated on the 22nd that investigations revealed the school failed to check the perpetrator's criminal record, and the Education Bureau failed to supervise the school's reporting and screening of unsuitable personnel. Taiwan People's Party Councilor Chiang Ho-shu questioned why the Education Bureau Director was not disciplined. Mayor Lu argued that the Education Bureau had investigated the school's initial negligence and removed the principal, but emphasized that the fact the coach could obtain a 'Good Citizen Certificate' highlights a need for reform, arguing that those with sexual assault records should not be able to obtain such certificates. However, Democratic Progressive Party Councilor Chang Chia-an criticized Mayor Lu, stating that she is trying to shift blame to the system, downplaying the negligence of the school and the Education Bureau, and causing secondary trauma to the victims.