Taipei taxi driver remanded after ramming prosecutors’ gate
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
A taxi driver surnamed Shao (邵) was arrested after driving his cab into the gate of the Taipei District Prosecutors Office in Taipei in the early hours of September 3, shattering the glass entrance but causing no injuries. Police said markings on the vehicle included slogans such as “justice is dead”, and preliminary checks ruled out drink-driving and drug-driving. Investigators said Shao had been dissatisfied with the handling of several cases involving him, including a traffic case in which the Taiwan High Court sentenced him to three months on September 1. After prosecutors first allowed bail of NT$100,000, they later sought detention because he could not raise the money, and the Taipei District Court approved detention early on September 4.
Key Points
- At about 5am on September 3, Shao drove around the Judicial Building area on Boai Road before parking opposite the prosecutors office.
- He got out, moved the barrier at the entrance, returned to the cab, and accelerated into the gate, badly damaging the glass doors.
- Police received the report at 5:46am, arrested Shao at the scene, and seized the taxi involved in the crash.
- The cab carried slogans including “justice is dead” and “officials are forcing the people to rebel”, indicating anger at judicial decisions.
- Prosecutors transferred the case on suspicion of obstructing official duties, endangering public safety through intimidation, and criminal damage; the exact motive remains under investigation.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case is a reminder that attacks on courts or prosecutors can quickly become both a criminal matter and a security issue around justice institutions. It also shows how personal grievances over court rulings can escalate into direct action against public buildings, prompting tighter security and renewed debate over how legal systems handle public trust.