Wu Tzu-chia released after search by Hsinchu prosecutors

Wu Tzu-chia, chairman of Formosa Gaudy (Formosa Electronic News), was released by authorities on October 22 following a search of his Taipei residence and office. The investigation was initiated by the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office regarding allegations of violating the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.

The case stems from the distribution of printed campaign materials that allegedly contained negative information about Cheng Chao-fang, a candidate for Hsinchu County Magistrate. Prosecutors had previously detained a defendant surnamed Peng in connection with the matter. Wu stated that the investigation focused on the use of foreign laborers to distribute the materials, which may constitute a violation of election laws.

Wu expressed strong protest against the investigation, characterizing it as judicial persecution intended to suppress freedom of speech. Media commentator Huang Kuang-chin also criticized the timing of the large-scale search, questioning whether such actions during an election period could create a chilling effect on press freedom and media oversight of political figures.