TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Police Department (台北市警察局) announced on Thursday (April 24) that they will deploy 400 officers to ensure safety at the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) rally on Ketagalan Boulevard (凱道) scheduled for Saturday. The police will adjust the number of officers based on real-time conditions and assist in managing unauthorized flags.
KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) called on supporters to protest on Saturday against the investigation into alleged ghost signatures in a recall campaign. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) will attend, along with Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), who confirmed his participation during a Tuesday meeting with Chu.
During a morning session of the Taipei City Council's Police and Health Committee, Taipei Police Department Commissioner Lee Hsi-ho (李西河) reported on preparations for the event. KMT Taipei City Councilor Chung Pei-chun (鍾沛君) inquired about the potential for disruption, including the presence of Chinese flags. Lee assured that police would swiftly remove any disruptors and prevent conflicts, having established communication channels with organizers.
Security Division Chief Lin Chien-liang (林建良) noted the planning of four squads focusing on security and traffic management. He emphasized that police presence will be adjusted as necessary. Lee affirmed that any activity contradicting the rally's purpose, such as promoting cross-strait unification, will be addressed to maintain the event's peaceful nature. Lee reiterated the police's commitment to safeguarding the peaceful assembly and ensuring participants' safety, with a focus on efficient resource allocation and coordination with relevant agencies for officer support.