Holger Chen indicted for 'decapitating' president remarks on YouTube

Taipei, Jan. 9 (CNA) The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted Internet influencer Holger Chen (陳之漢) on Friday for remarks made during a livestream last October, in which he explicitly talked about "decapitating" President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

Chen was charged with intimidation of the public under Article 151 of the Criminal Code, as well as offenses of intimidation against public safety under Article 305, after the prosecutors concluded their instigation.

In a press release, the prosecutors detailed several of Chen's "intimidating" statements during the broadcast on his YouTube channel on Oct. 5, arguing that he made the remarks knowing they risked undermining public safety and the president's personal security.

As Chen was commenting on the Chinese People's Liberation Army's "decapitation strike" exercises against Taiwan, he morphed that military terminology into a specific threat to cut off the president's head, the prosecutors said.

As an example, Chen shouted "Decapitate Lai Ching-te's dog head" during the broadcast, according to the press release.

Chen's remarks were sufficient to instill fear in any ordinary person, regardless of the target's status as president, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors further noted that Chen's remarks carried severe public safety implications, because any potential attack on the president might lead to civilian casualties -- as the president is frequently surrounded by crowds of people during public appearances -- and thus trigger public panic.

Speech that threatens public safety falls outside the scope of protected freedom of expression, the prosecutors stated.

Chen had no response to the indictment as of 6 p.m. Friday.

Appearing for questioning by the Criminal Investigation Bureau on Oct. 15, Chen maintained his innocence, telling reporters he "had no intent to threaten anyone" and that his remarks were being taken out of context. He was allowed to return home after being questioned.

Chen accused what he called "green terror" -- alluding to the color associated with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government -- of targeting opposition figures.