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Truck driver indicted for running over cameraman

Peng Sheng-lu (彭盛露), who ran over a TV cameraman last month as supporters and opponents of the government's decision to alter the plaque at the National Democracy Memorial Hall clashed near the memorial, was indicted yesterday for attempted murder, vandalism and interfering with police.

Prosecutors asked for a sentence of seven years and six months.

ETTV cameraman Wang Jui-chang (王瑞璋) was struck and run over by Peng's truck on Dec. 6 last year as he covered the clashes.

A videoclip broadcast on ETTV that day showed Peng driving toward two Taiwan Independence Union members, who were standing by their cars arguing with protesters standing in front of the memorial hall across the street. The video showed Peng stopping just in front of the men. As the pair approached the truck and shouted at the driver, the truck started to move again.

Several reporters were hit by Peng's vehicle, witnesses said, with Wang getting stuck underneath and dragged for several meters until Peng was finally stopped by police officers who dragged him out of the truck and arrested him.

Prosecutors said yesterday Peng had admitted to his actions but denied trying to kill anyone.

They said it was hard to believe Peng's denial given that he had driven his truck toward the group of reporters three times. Wang's being hit and then stuck underneath the truck indicated Peng had tried to accelerate, the prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said they had asked for a long prison sentence because Peng had shown no remorse and had repeatedly offered new excuses for the incident.
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