A crowd of over 200 people gathered outside the Taipei District Court on Wednesday afternoon as two sisters, indicted for the abuse and death of a 1-year-old boy, attended a preliminary hearing. The tragic case of “Kai Kai” (剴剴) has sparked widespread outrage, leading protesters to demand stricter child abuse penalties, no bail for the accused, and even capital punishment.
Public Outrage and Protest for Justice
The demonstrators held white flowers in memory of Kai Kai while displaying banners and placards with strong messages against child abuse. Chants calling for harsher punishments and demanding accountability in the foster care system echoed through the area.
To maintain order, authorities dispatched around 15 police officers to the scene. Many citizens also lined up to enter the courthouse, eager to witness the legal proceedings. Despite the large turnout, there were no reported incidents inside the court, and proceedings went on as scheduled.
The Horrific Case of Kai Kai: A Foster Care Tragedy
Kai Kai was placed in the care of the older sister, Liu Tsai-hsuan (劉彩萱), a legally accredited foster caregiver, in August 2023. However, instead of receiving a safe and nurturing home, the boy allegedly endured severe abuse at the hands of Liu and her younger sister, Liu Juo-lin (劉若琳).
According to prosecutors, the sisters repeatedly physically tortured and mistreated Kai Kai, leading to his death in December 2023. The autopsy revealed that the child suffered extensive injuries, including bruising, fractures, and signs of prolonged mistreatment.
Preliminary Court Hearing: Key Developments
During the preliminary hearing, both sisters made a request to the court:
- They asked for a screen to separate witnesses from the public gallery, citing concerns that public pressure might affect testimonies.
- Prosecutors, however, raised serious concerns about the older sister trying to influence witnesses, as there was previous evidence suggesting she attempted to alter statements.
- The court is considering whether foreign nationals who had employment relations with the accused can testify.
Citizen Judges to Play a Crucial Role
The case is set to be heard under Taiwan’s citizen judge system, where selected members of the public will join professional judges in deciding the verdict.
- The selection process for citizen judges will begin soon, with the trial set to start on April 22.
- The final sentencing is expected to be handed down on May 13.
However, legal experts have raised concerns that the emotionally charged atmosphere and large public protests could intimidate potential citizen judges, possibly affecting their ability to make an impartial decision.
Tensions Rise as Protesters Target Prison Van
After the court proceedings, the two accused sisters were escorted into a prison van. As the vehicle left the court premises, some enraged protesters threw food and other objects at it, expressing their frustration with the legal system.
A legal expert warned that such aggressive demonstrations could impact the trial’s fairness, potentially complicating legal proceedings.
Government Responds to Public Outcry
In response to the growing demands for justice, an official from the Ministry of Justice stated that Taiwan has already amended its laws to increase penalties for child abuse.
However, whether additional legal changes will be introduced remains uncertain. The official assured the public that the government is open to discussions and will consider further legislative measures based on public concerns and expert recommendations.
FAQs
Who are the accused in this case?
The two sisters, Liu Tsai-hsuan and Liu Juo-lin, are accused of torturing and abusing a 1-year-old foster child, leading to his death.
Why did the case spark public outrage?
The brutality of the abuse and the fact that a legally accredited foster caregiver was involved have caused widespread anger, with many people demanding harsher punishments for child abusers.
What punishments could the accused face?
If found guilty, the sisters could face severe prison sentences under Taiwan’s revised child protection laws. Some protesters are even calling for capital punishment.
What is the role of citizen judges in this case?
Under Taiwan’s new legal system, selected citizens will work alongside professional judges to determine the verdict and sentencing. This marks a significant shift in Taiwan’s judicial process.
When will the final verdict be announced?
The trial is set to begin on April 22, with a final sentencing expected by May 13.
