Changhua Council Speaker Hsieh Tien-lin's detention appeal rejected

The Taichung High Court has rejected an appeal by Changhua County Council Speaker Hsieh Tien-lin and his father, Hsieh Hsin-lung, maintaining their detention and prohibition of communication. The court ruled that the pair faces serious criminal suspicion regarding the violation of the Anti-Corruption Act, specifically for using official funds to host banquets for voters, which may constitute bribery.

The court noted that the offenses carry a minimum sentence of five years and cited risks of flight, destruction of evidence, or collusion with accomplices. Consequently, the court determined that less restrictive measures, such as bail or house arrest, would be insufficient to ensure the smooth progress of the prosecution. The ruling also stated that no further appeals can be filed regarding this decision.

Prosecutors allege that the banquets held at the Changhua County Council involved high-quality food, western liquor, and mooncakes, with the total value of items provided to over 100 attendees exceeding 1,000 TWD per person. This distinguishes the event from routine social gatherings or simple election rallies.