Liu Hsia's brother meets with her alleged attacker

The younger brother of the late disabled-rights activist and presidential adviser Liu Hsia (劉俠) yesterday told the Indonesian caregiver who allegedly assaulted Liu that his family has no intention of pursuing her over his sister's death.

Liu Kan (劉侃), accompanied by Wang Jung-chang (王榮璋) -- an official of a disabled group -- and an interpreter, went to the detention center where Vinarsih is being held.

Liu Kan said that his sister had cared for underprivileged groups for many years and that his family believes people should respect and treat one another equally, irrespective of color, ethnic, national or religious differences.

He said that his sister would definitely have forgiven Vinarsih, since both belong to the underprivileged groups, and added that it would have been unconditional forgiveness.

Liu Hsia was rushed to the hospital with bruises and fractures of both legs last Friday after she was reportedly attacked and dragged from her bed by Vinarsih on Thursday.

Liu Hsia died Saturday and Vinarsih has been in custody since then.

Vinarsih bowed her head when meeting with Liu Kan. She asked about her former charge and began to weep uncontrollably after being told that Liu Hsia was dead.

Vinarsih apologized repeatedly to Liu Kan, while the latter tried to comfort her.

Liu Kan did not inquire about the situation that led to the alleged beating, for fear of making Vinarsih too emotional.

He said that the grief will end and added that the most important task will be to learn from Liu Hsia's death and heed the problems surrounding the long-term care of the elderly and the handicapped, so that they can get high quality, safe care.

Doctors have said that Vinarsih might be suffering from conversion disorder, a psychological affliction caused by severe emotional stress.