Prosecutors today indicted a man for posting threatening messages on social media following a major stabbing incident in Taipei earlier this month.
The man is accused of endangering public safety, threatening the public and inciting others to commit crimes, the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office said.
On Dec. 19, a man threw smoke bombs and stabbed passersby at Taipei Main Station on the MRT and near Zhongshan Station, killing three and injuring 11, before jumping to his death from the sixth story of a department store.
Photo: Ritchie B. Tongo, EPA
The man indicted today, surnamed Lin (林) posted comments at 10pm that evening underneath a Facebook video of the incident, saying: “This is only the beginning,” “Cool” and “The knife isn’t sharp enough,” prosecutors said.
He also wrote: “You voters need to bear the damage caused by the government you elected,” they added.
Law enforcement said they detained him on Monday and brought him in for questioning, seizing relevant evidence.
Prosecutors said they are seeking a heavy sentence to serve as a deterrent.
Lin aimed to draw attention to himself and vent his emotions, disregarding the suffering of others, they said.
His comment that “this is only the beginning” created the atmosphere of a terrorist attack and his actions intensified public fear and anxiety, while increasing the risk of copycat actors, they added.
The office said it would continue to investigate and prosecute any acts that attempt to disrupt social order, spread fear or endanger public safety through violence or threats.
Additional reporting by CNA
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