TAIWAN: MAN RECEIVES DEATH PENALTY FOR KILLING CLERK WHO ASKED HIM TO MASK UP

December 14, 2022:

A paper sculpture artist was handed the death penalty by Taoyuan District Court on 13 December 2022 for stabbing to death a convenience store clerk who asked him to wear a mask.
On 21 November 2021, the artist, surnamed Chiang, went into the convenience store in Taoyuan's Guishan District maskless at about 4 a.m. and was told by the clerk, surnamed Tsai, that he had to wear a mask in accordance with the mask mandate in force across Taiwan at that time, according to the prosecution's indictment.
Chiang reluctantly left the store, but after returning wearing a face mask became embroiled in an altercation with Tsai, during which he threw his mask at the clerk, the indictment said.
Chiang returned a second time dressed in different clothing, called for Tsai who was in a backroom to come out and stabbed him with a knife he had concealed on his person, according to the indictment.
Although Tsai was able to disarm Chiang during the ensuing scuffle, he collapsed outside the store due to excessive bleeding, it added.
Tsai died of hypovolemic shock as a result of being stabbed 13 times, including three times in the heart, the autopsy found.
Taoyuan District Court handed Chiang the death penalty after checking his medical records, which indicate he is sane and does not suffer from mental illnesses. The judges determined that Chiang changed his clothes as a disguise, which is proof of premeditation.
Although Chiang did not flee the scene, he did not show any signs of remorse and demonstrated a poor attitude after being arrested, which precludes him from receiving a reduced sentence, the court said in the verdict.
The ruling can be appealed.