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Hsieh sues Tsai for defamation

"The accusation was disrespectful to religion as well as an insult to me."

Frank Hsieh, DPP presidential candidate

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday filed a defamation lawsuit against a Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislator for accusing him of using religion to boost his prospects in next year's presidential election.

On Monday KMT Legislator Tsai Chin-lung (蔡錦隆) said Hsieh had arranged several tours of temples in central and southern Taiwan, during which the participants were given hints by the temples' abbots that Buddha favored Hsieh for president.

The lawmaker, however, did not present evidence to back his claims, saying only that several borough wardens had told him about the trips.

"The accusation was disrespectful to religion as well as an insult to me," Hsieh said when approached by reporters at Taipei City Council yesterday morning.

Hsieh said he would like to maintain a quality campaign and would resolve similar election controversies in the future through legal action.

Chao Tien-lin (趙天麟), director of Hsieh's campaign office, filed the suit on behalf of Hsieh at the Taipei Prosecutors' Office yesterday.

Accompanied by two of Hsieh's campaign lawyers, Chao said they would also take legal action against other KMT legislators should they make further "fraudulent accusations" against Hsieh.

DPP legislators affiliated with Hsieh's campaign voiced their support for his action.

DPP Legislator Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) told a press conference that the KMT had initiated a "smear" campaign in an attempt to discredit Hsieh.

Meanwhile, Tsai yesterday told reporters he was not afraid of being sued because what he said during Monday's press conference would stand up to public scrutiny. However, he did not make clear whether he intended to file a lawsuit against Hsieh.
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