Thigh of relief: Woman touches Ma Ying-jeou's leg, none dead
Staff Reporter 2012-12-29 12:23
The woman gives the thumbs up after touching the hem of the president's garment. (Photo/Chen Hsin-han)
A woman in northern Taiwan was escorted away after touching President Ma Ying-jeou's thigh and giving a thumbs-up gesture on Dec. 28 during the president's visit to the city of Taoyuan, embarrassing the agents assigned to protect him.
Our sister paper China Times quoted anonymous officials and reported that nobody would be punished due the "incident" and that it was a case of one of Ma's fans getting carried away. Another anonymous official said the woman may not have intended to touch the president.
Ma often comes into close contact with the crowd when making public appearances but unexpected approaches have occasionally taken his security detail by surprise.
The National Security Bureau said agents are ready for the New Year ceremony where the national flag will be hoisted in front of the Presidential Office, with Ma presiding. "We do not have any tips regarding any potential attack on the president. But the president will be away from any unexpected harassment, as he will be away from the crowd during the ceremony," the bureau said.
