Taiwan: Politician assaults journalist on ‘illegible’ credentials.

On November 6, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chung Chia-pin, aggressively checked the identification of China Times News Network reporter Guo Jiquan, grabbing at his interview pass and questioning his identity as a reporter. International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Association of Taiwan Journalists (ATJ) in condemning the politician's behaviour and calling on the Legislative Yuan to protect the safety of journalists on duty.

Media workers surround the Democratic Progressive Party legislator, Chung Chia-Pin, in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan on November 6. Credit: YouTube

During a financial committee meeting of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan on November 6, politician Chung Chia-pin forcibly grabbed the interview pass of journalist Guo Jiquan, questioning its validity. The reporter had been accepted into the legislature after an inspection by law enforcement, a requirement prior to entry, and was filming Chung and other politicians amid minor physical clashes between elected officials.

Despite Chung's attempts to explain the misunderstanding, Chung refused to return the reporter's identification. The matter was only resolved following intervention from fellow journalists. Representatives from opposition political parties have condemned the incident, while Chung has claimed that he want to speak with the journalist privately to resolve the matter.

This altercation follows a similar case in September 11, amidst anti-corruption investigations into People's Party Chairperson Ko Wenzhe. During the political commentary program 'Lu Xiufang Evening News', former legislator Cai Zhengyuan claimed that Sanli News reporter Ma Yuwen had received exclusive interviews and information through sleeping with key figures. The ATJ rebuked the remarks as sexist and undermining Ma's personal dignity, calling on Cai to issue a public apology.

The ATJ said:"The Journalists Association believes that as a political figure, this move is obviously excessive. The Journalists Association reaffirms its position of fully safeguarding journalists' reporting rights and independent space. If relevant persons question a journalist's identity and qualifications, the relevant review should return to the authority and responsibility of the Legislative Yuan."

IFJ said: "In a democracy's legislative assembly, it is unacceptable that a journalist be subject to aggressive behaviour. Chung's conduct must be investigated, and authorities must ensure the security of media workers.