Man arrested for punching recall volunteer over 'missing freebie'

New Taipei, March 18 (CNA) A 63-year-old man was questioned by police and released in New Taipei on Sunday, after allegedly punching a female volunteer during a recall campaign event, police said Tuesday.

The man, who was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of assault, allegedly attacked the 46-year-old during a recall campaign event in Zhonghe District to oust opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Lo Ming-tsai (羅明才), police said.

The suspect, surnamed Huang (黃), reportedly became upset that the flyers did not come with a free gift and struck the woman on the head before getting into a scuffle with other volunteers and leaving the scene.

The victim sought medical attention but was not seriously injured. She later filed a police report with the support of fellow volunteers, police said.

In response, the recall campaign group condemned the violence, calling it an attack on democratic values.