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Former lawmaker denies being attacked in China

The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Straits Exchange Foundation both "confirmed" yesterday that former lawmaker Ju Gau-jeng (朱高正) had been stabbed in China -- but Ju himself denied that he had been attacked.

News reports yesterday claimed that Ju had been attacked and seriously injured by three unidentified people while he was eating at a hot-pot restaurant in Xiamen around 4am on Sunday.

CIB Deputy Commissioner Kao Cheng-sheng (高政昇), Taiwanese Businessmen's Association in Xiamen chairman Wu Chin-chung (吳進忠) and the foundation said they confirmed those reports yesterday.

According to Kao, the police are sure that Ju was the victim of an attack, but that's about all they know.

"We are working with the foundation and trying to figure out the details of this case," Kao said. "In the meantime, it is also my understanding that the Chinese police department has launched an investigation into this case as well."

When approached by reporters, Wu said that Ju had not reported the incident to the police in Xiamen or checked into a local hospital.

"According to the local police department, Ju is still in Xiamen," Wu said. "He is only suffering from minor injuries as far as I know. The news reports in Taiwan are not quite accurate."

Meanwhile, Ju faxed a statement to the media in Taiwan yesterday afternoon, denying any attack and saying that he was fine.

"I do not understand why such a rumor would come out. I was not attacked; the story was inaccurate. I am sorry for this," he said in his statement.

Although he said he was fine, Ju said he had no plans to appear in public. He said that he is currently in a mountainous area in southern Fujian Province, where access to communications is difficult.

He said he was not planning to cut short his trip to return home.

Ju holds a a law degree from National Taiwan University and a doctorate in philosophy from Bonn University. He was a member of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) but began his political career as a Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker in 1987. He became famous for his willingness to physically attack fellow lawmakers with his fists or other handy items. He later became a member of the pro-China Socialist Party and the New Party.

According to Wu, Ju was not doing business in Xiamen and he is not a member of the business association. However, Wu said Ju is something of a celebrity in Xiamen because many people recognize him.
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