TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) announced Friday (April 18) that authorities will prosecute all violations of the "Assembly and Parade Act" (集會遊行法), a move that targets recent opposition protests at government buildings. Liu specified that activities within restricted zones and disruptive behavior would be referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) for potential criminal charges.
Speaking before a session of the Legislative Yuan (Taiwan's parliament) that morning, Liu addressed the tense standoff between police and the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, that occurred at the prosecutors office the previous night. Police had issued multiple warnings about illegal conduct during the demonstration. Liu defended law enforcement's actions, stating they "followed regulations" throughout the overnight protest. She diplomatically acknowledged Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), who had publicly supported the protesters and suggested the cabinet should resign, describing his statement as "personal."
Liu reiterated her call for peaceful demonstrations while urging strict compliance with the assembly laws. The interior minister specifically addressed mounting concerns about a larger KMT rally planned for April 26, emphasizing that safety regulations around the Presidential Office would be strictly enforced. Security officials have expressed worry that political tensions could escalate at the upcoming demonstration.
The political confrontation stems from an investigation by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) into alleged fraudulent signatures on petitions to recall Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislators, Taiwan's ruling party. Investigators recently searched the KMT Taipei City Office and questioned several opposition officials, including KMT Taipei City Chairwoman Huang Lu Chin-ju (黃呂錦茹). The investigation prompted KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) to organize Thursday's protest, which resulted in tense confrontations with police outside the prosecutors' building. ★
