Ex-opposition lawmaker could face prison for insulting President Lai

Taipei, Feb. 12 (CNA) Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Legislator Lin Kuo-chen (林國成) could face prison time after being indicted Thursday for insulting President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

Lai filed a criminal complaint against Lin for comments made during a livestreamed rally outside the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's headquarters, six days before a mass recall vote targeting opposition Kuomintang legislators.

According to the indictment, Lin, then a serving lawmaker, repeatedly used profane language during the July 20, 2025 speech and swore directly at Lai five times, which the president said had "harmed his dignity and damaged his reputation."

Prosecutors said Lin publicly humiliated Lai through demeaning remarks delivered both in person and via livestream, undermining Lai's personal and social standing.

Under Article 309 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the penalty for publicly insulting someone is short-term imprisonment or a fine of less than NT$9,000 (US$287).

Prosecutors recommended a heavier penalty, citing what they described as Lin's lack of remorse and his subsequent denial of wrongdoing.

Lin previously apologized for his comments, saying in a Facebook the day following the rally that they were due to an "emotional lapse."