Three suspects have received residence restrictions following a Mazu pilgrimage clash with police in Changhua County. The Changhua District Court ordered a 21 year old man surnamed Ko to stay under these restrictions. Two brothers surnamed Yeh, aged 25 and 21, received the same court order. The court ruled that detention was not necessary for these three individuals. However, a fourth suspect surnamed Chen faces detention instead.
This Mazu pilgrimage clash occurred late on Saturday during the annual Dajia Mazu procession. The nine day pilgrimage had begun just one day earlier. A group of people wearing orange clothing started confronting police officers. The incident took place as the procession passed through Changhua City. Three police officers sustained injuries during the confrontation. Chen was arrested at the scene immediately after the clash. Subsequently, Ko and the Yeh brothers fled but police apprehended them on Sunday.
The Changhua County Police Department provided details about what triggered the Mazu pilgrimage clash. A dispute broke out around 10:50 pm among members welcoming the procession. The argument escalated into pushing and shoving between different groups. Police officers intervened to restore order and prevent further violence. The suspects then attacked the officers instead of cooperating. All four suspects were members of a local temple organization.
Prosecutors revealed additional charges beyond the Mazu pilgrimage clash. When police arrested Ko and the Yeh brothers, they found suspected narcotics. The three men also have prior convictions for public disorder offenses. Chen had drug laced coffee packets and ketamine cigarettes upon his arrest. Prosecutors stated that Chen has gang affiliations as well. He also has a criminal record involving multiple previous cases.
The Changhua District Court previously ordered Chen to be detained. The judge believed Chen posed a risk of collusion with others. Evidence tampering also factored into the detention decision. Therefore, the court treated Chen differently from the other three suspects. The residence restrictions allow Ko and the Yeh brothers to remain free. However, they cannot leave their homes without court permission.
The Dajia Jenn Lann Temple organizes this annual pilgrimage each year. The event draws thousands of participants from across Taiwan. It is one of the most important religious processions on the island. Consequently, police typically deploy extra officers to maintain order. The Mazu pilgrimage clash has raised concerns about public safety at large events. Temple officials have not yet commented on the incident. The investigation continues as prosecutors build their cases against all four suspects. Further court proceedings will determine sentences for each defendant.
