Taichung: A district court in Taichung approved a request from prosecutors on Tuesday to detain a man who allegedly attacked Taipei-based Japanese political commentator Akio Yaita, who had often criticized China. The suspect, a 33-year-old from Hong Kong surnamed Liu, was arrested after reportedly punching Yaita in the face following a speech at a Taichung hotel.

According to Focus Taiwan, the police revealed that Liu, originally from Guangdong province, China, holds Hong Kong permanent residency. He arrived in Taiwan as a tourist and checked into a Taichung hotel last Thursday. During his stay, Liu reportedly changed locations multiple times, with his final accommodation being a hotel across from the crime scene. Authorities noted his movements and interactions, stating that he met with a person who left Taiwan before the attack.

Investigations are ongoing to determine Liu's motive and possible accomplices. Prosecutors highlighted that, as a Hong Kong resident without a fixed address in Taiwan, Liu might have been acting under external instructions. Detaining him was deemed necessary to prevent destruction of evidence and potential collusion.

Yaita, invited by the Spring Rain Foundation to speak at a workshop, expressed his resolve to continue advocating for Taiwan's freedom and democracy despite the assault. He urged an investigation into possible political suppression ties, especially concerning China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) labeled the incident as Taiwan's first transnational repression case since the law's enactment, promising severe punishment for the perpetrator.

Despite the ongoing investigation, prosecutors have not disclosed detailed information about Liu's background or motives, nor have they confirmed any direct connections to China's unity law.