Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an apologises at LGBT Pride over gay bar raid
On October 31, 2026, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an again apologised for police conduct during the search of the Commander D gay bar in Taiwan’s capital. He spoke at Taiwan Pride, where some participants greeted him with boos and protest signs, NOWnews reports.
According to Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), the mayor said he had instructed police to disclose the administrative investigation report on the raid as fully as possible. He qualified this by stressing the need to preserve the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation. Chiang expressed regret over officers’ inappropriate words and actions and said the city would continue its gender equality policies.
On October 13, Pride organisers had already demanded an independent investigation with external oversight, publication of the findings and accountability for police supervisors. They also said a politician’s participation in the march should not replace addressing complaints about the authorities or turn Pride into an election platform.
On October 29, the city government said the administrative report had been completed and sent to the National Police Agency. Separately, Taipei prosecutors are investigating a complaint filed by civil society groups on October 7 alleging an unlawful search, coercion and deprivation of liberty. City officials also pledged to develop policing guidelines informed by LGBT groups’ proposals and offer legal and psychological support to those affected.
The search in Wanhua district took place on October 3. Police maintain that they acted lawfully but acknowledged inappropriate remarks by four officers. According to CNA, the four received disciplinary sanctions; the precinct chief and the head of the investigation team were also disciplined for supervisory failings. Complaints about the legality of the overall operation remain under investigation.
As Taiwan Television reported on November 1, Commander D announced it would operate until November 8, citing the expiry of its lease as the reason for closing.
Uránia previously reported on the Commander D raid and the subsequent protests, as well as the mayor’s initial apologies and disciplinary action against police officers.
