Donggang Antai Hospital Illegal Construction Causes 9 Deaths; DPP Slams KMT's Claim of 'Political Persecution' as Disrespecting Judiciary

In response to KMT Chairperson Chang Li-wen's claim that the DPP controls the judiciary and intimidates candidates, DPP spokesperson Lin Chu-ying strongly criticized the KMT today (13th), stating that the KMT and Chang repeatedly use 'political persecution' as a shield during elections to politicize legal cases lawfully investigated by judicial authorities. This act not only disrespects the judiciary but also re-victimizes the families of public safety victims.

Lin pointed out that the tragic fire at Donggang Antai Hospital, which claimed nine innocent lives, revealed that nearly half of the hospital's buildings were illegal constructions, and fire safety inspections and public safety maintenance had long been neglected—a major human-caused disaster. Prosecutors lawfully investigated, indicted, and pursued criminal responsibility, which is entirely within their duty. In contrast, the KMT, facing nine shattered families and a severe public safety tragedy, has failed to reflect or examine itself. Instead, it casually shifts legal responsibility onto 'political persecution.' Does the KMT's partisan interest truly outweigh precious human lives? Su Ching-chuan should face the judiciary honestly and properly address the hospital's illegal construction issues.

Lin further noted that the founder of Donggang Antai Hospital, Su Ching-chuan—a KMT proportional-representation legislator and Pingtung county magistrate candidate—has now been lawfully indicted by prosecutors. Should the KMT continue to protect and blindly support him? Even more unacceptable is that, shortly after Antai Hospital caused a tragic fire with nine deaths due to major illegal construction and public safety failures, the KMT held its Central Standing Committee meeting in Pingtung yesterday, where the atmosphere deviated as members openly discussed how 'running hospitals is the most profitable' and that Su is 'very wealthy.' KMT legislator Lu Hsien-yi even revealed on-site, 'He's always checking stocks next to me.'

Lin criticized that while victims' families are still suffering from the pain of loss, the KMT and Su are joyfully discussing hospital profits and stock prices at campaign events, completely disregarding human lives and public safety. This cold-blooded attitude, ignoring public safety and caring only about personal wealth, not only treats lives as trivial but also inflicts the most serious secondary harm on victims' families. Additionally, Lin mentioned the recent case in which Taichung City Government was searched by prosecutors over a labor procurement leak. Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen attempted to politicize the case by claiming it 'raises suspicion,' but was rebutted by the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, which clearly stated that the investigation followed legal procedures, evidence was lawfully obtained, and search warrants were approved by the court—there was no re-investigation of old cases or political manipulation.

Lin emphasized that Taiwan is a democratic and rule-of-law country where everyone is equal before the judiciary and public safety. The KMT and involved parties must stop deflecting attention through smearing and spreading rumors. They should bravely face judicial investigations and court trials, and clearly explain the illegal construction and public safety concerns to society. Only then can they show basic respect to voters and victims' families.