Taipei Times
Date: Aug 29, 2016
By: Chen Wei-han / Staff reporter
Trees Party Chairman Sheng Yi-che’s (冼義哲) car was yesterday allegedly vandalized in Penghu by
Trees Party Chairman Sheng Yi-che’s car is pictured outside his home in Penghu yesterday. Photo courtesy of Sheng Yi-che
supporters of legalizing gambling in the outlying county ahead of its second casino referendum in October.
Sheng, a vocal opponent of a plan to allow casinos in the county, said his grandmother found the car painted with the words: “More opposition [brings] death to the whole family,” which he said is aimed at the party’s campaigning against a casino.
“I take any threat to my family very seriously, but such a move will not affect our beliefs or actions,” Sheng said. “The Trees Party and I will not surrender to violence and will continue to campaign against plans for a casino.”
Police have launched an investigation, he said, urging police to increase patrols and prevent violence.
Gambling is illegal in Taiwan proper, but in January 2009 the legislature passed an amendment to the Offshore Islands Development Act (離島建設條例), allowing outlying islands to establish tourist casinos if their residents agree to it in a referendum. [FULL STORY]
