Man who allegedly attacked Taiwan-based Japanese commentator detained

Taipei, July 8 (CNA) 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 33-year-old suspect, surnamed Liu (廖) from Hong Kong, was arrested Monday afternoon after he punched Yaita, CEO of the Taipei-based Indo-Pacific Strategy Thinktank, in the face on Monday. The attack occurred after the political commentator delivered a speech at a hotel in Taichung.

Police said Liu had attempted to leave Taiwan from the Taichung airport before being arrested.

According to the police, Lu, originally from Guangdong province, China holds Hong Kong permanent residency. He arrived in Taiwan on Thursday (July 2) as a tourist and checked into a Taichung hotel.

During his stay, Liu changed locations two or three times, according to police. His last stop was a hotel across from the crime scene, where he observed the surrounding area before carrying out the attack, police said.

Police found Liu made contact with a person during his stay, but that person had left Taiwan before the attack took place.

An investigation is underway to understand what Liu's motivation was for the attack and whether he had an accomplice, police said.

According to prosecutors, as a Hong Konger, Liu had no fixed residence in Taiwan and he might have attacked Yaita under instructions from other people. Without detaining him, the suspect would likely destroy evidence and collude with others to give false testimonies, prosecutors said.

Yaita, a native of Japan and former journalist who holds Republic of China (Taiwan) citizenship, had been invited by the Spring Rain Foundation to speak at a workshop held at Tempus Hotel. The assault occurred after the event.

On Tuesday, Yaita said he will not be silenced by the attack.

"I will continue, with reason and determination, to speak up for Taiwan's freedom and democracy, and to promote Taiwan-Japan friendship as I always have," he said.

He urged Taiwan's authorities to investigate whether the attack involved any political suppression and whether it was linked to China's recently implemented Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), which is responsible for Taiwan's affairs with China, described the attack as the "first case of transnational repression" in Taiwan since the law was passed.

MAC said the government would not take the case lightly and would punish the perpetrator severely.

Prosecutors, however, have not disclosed details about the attack, and Liu's background and motive remain unclear.

So far, no evidence had been presented on his motives or how his actions were tied to China's unity law, according to prosecutors.