Taiwan prosecutors indict five in alleged plot to injure anti-CCP comedian

Prosecutors in New Taipei City have indicted five individuals for allegedly attempting to physically assault comedian Huang Yihao. The suspects are accused of accepting NT$450,000 (approximately $13,900) from an individual in mainland China, known as “K”, to “break arms and legs” of the performer to prevent him from appearing on stage.

The investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly monitored Huang’s movements throughout July and August using a tracking device installed on his scooter. In September, the group reportedly attempted to simulate a traffic accident by swerving a vehicle into Huang while he was parked in an alley. While Huang escaped serious injury, he expressed concerns regarding potential involvement by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) due to his comedic content.

Huang is known for satirizing President Xi Jinping and the CCP, including comparisons to Winnie the Pooh and criticisms of national security laws. Additionally, two other individuals face charges for allegedly spreading paint and human feces outside a Taipei comedy club where Huang performed in May.