TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan New Taipei District Court (新北地方法院) convened on Friday (March 6) for the initial hearing of prominent internet personality Holger Chen (Chen Chih-han, 陳之漢), known as "Kuan Chang" (館長). Prosecutors charged him with public intimidation and threats to safety following remarks made during a livestream last year. Chen denied all allegations in court.
The case dates back to an Oct. 5 broadcast from Chen's residence in Linkou District, where he commented on news about China's military drills targeting Taiwan. He allegedly stated, "Cut off Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) head," which the Criminal Investigation Bureau (刑事局) deemed incitement to violence and a threat to the president's safety.
Prosecutors concluded that Chen's words exceeded the bounds of free speech, posing a tangible threat to the nation's leader and public safety. Although Chen argued for freedom of expression, prosecutors found his statements socially unacceptable, releasing him on a NT$150,000 (approximately US$4,700) bail last October and formally indicting him in January.
The hearing lasted two minutes, with Chen appearing composed and denying the charges of public intimidation. The judge quickly confirmed identities and litigation rights before concluding the session. The case will now proceed to a substantive trial to determine if Chen's remarks constitute a criminal offense.
