Prosecutors indicted five men on Wednesday following a pilgrimage clash indictment related to the annual Dajia Matsu procession. The incident occurred late on April 18 in Changhua City. Large crowds had gathered to welcome the deity’s palanquin. Congestion led to pushing and shoving at the scene.
The five defendants include Chen, 21; Ko, 21; two Yeh brothers aged 25 and 21; and Tseng, an active duty serviceman. They had traveled from Taichung to take part in the procession. The group donned orange temple vests near Ziqiang Road and Lane 195. The palanquin did not arrive until about 10:50 pm. By then, jostling had already begun among the crowds.
Officers from the Changhua Precinct were on duty to maintain order. Despite knowing this, the five men allegedly tried to force their way forward. They sought to seize the palanquin, a ritual act that often draws intense competition. The Yeh brothers and Ko pushed and shouted at officers. Additionally, the Yeh brothers allegedly incited others in orange vests to join the scuffle.
Chen struck officers with his hand and elbow during the confrontation. He injured a detective captain surnamed Hsiao, who suffered a concussion and a nasal fracture. Chen also knocked down a squad leader surnamed Chiu. Ko assaulted Chiu, causing abrasions to his elbow and knees. Tseng hit another officer surnamed Huang, injuring his eye and surrounding tissue. Tseng also damaged Chiu’s eyeglasses, resulting in 10,000 NT dollars in repair costs.
Prosecutors charged Chen, Ko, and Tseng with obstruction of official duties and causing bodily harm. Tseng faces an additional property damage charge. The Yeh brothers face indictment for assisting in a group offense of obstructing official duties. Prosecutors confirmed that Chen, Ko, and Tseng remain in custody. The court will schedule hearings for all five defendants in the coming weeks. Further legal proceedings will determine their final sentences.
