由下而上建立值得人民信賴的司法

Joint Statement｜"Following the Surge in Reports on the RISU Group's Distribution of Intimate Sexual Images..." - Joint Statement by Civil Organizations on the Risu Defamation Case: Acquittal in Second Trial

Joint Statement
2024-12-24

In May 2023, a Facebook group named RISU sparked public outrage due to the circulation of intimate sexual images. The Taiwan Digital Feminist Alliance was the first to expose the issue and initiated a reporting campaign. Many citizens responded actively by filing reports. During this process, Mr. Wang Yingda (汪英達) discovered that some administrators of the group were linked to the “Baoxi” (leak-based community) and posted on his personal Facebook questioning whether BAOLIAO COMMUNE CO., LTD. was involved in the spread of intimate images within the RISU group. In response, BAOLIAO COMMUNE CO., LTD. filed both criminal and civil lawsuits against Mr. Wang, accusing him of aggravated defamation.

This morning (December 24) at 10:00 AM, the Taiwan High Court ruled on the Risu Defamation Case, affirming that Wang’s actions were motivated by public interest and were therefore protected under Article 310, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code. We, along with Mr. Wang, welcome this ruling, which not only restores his reputation but also demonstrates the judiciary’s recognition of the importance of public-interest whistleblowing and digital sexual violence issues.

In response to the ruling, the Judicial Reform Foundation and the Taiwan Digital Feminist Alliance (hereinafter referred to as "civil organizations") issue the following joint statement:

1.This Ruling Confirms the Legitimacy of Public-Interest Whistleblowing and Protects Freedom of Speech

Mr. Wang Yingda stated:
"While responding to reports on the illegal dissemination of intimate images in online groups, I felt deeply anxious. The thought of so many people having their private images illegally exposed—and potentially used to threaten or intimidate them—compelled me to take action. I conducted my own verification and discovered connections between ‘Baoxi’ administrators and BAOLIAO COMMUNE CO., LTD. This led me to question whether the company was involved in the illegal dissemination of intimate images. I believed my actions were in the public interest, and compared to the immense suffering experienced by victims of image leaks, the so-called harm to the plaintiff’s reputation is entirely disproportionate."

Out of concern for the severe impact of illegally distributed intimate images on victims, Mr. Wang acted based on reasonable verification and public interest considerations when questioning BAOLIAO COMMUNE CO., LTD.'s involvement. His statements addressed a matter of high public concern. The court ruled that Wang’s remarks met the standard for truthfulness under Article 310, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, which exempts truthful statements from defamation charges. By balancing freedom of speech with reputation rights, the court delivered a not guilty verdict. This ruling not only safeguards Wang’s whistleblowing actions but also underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing digital sexual violence.

2. Preventing a Chilling Effect: Strengthening Public-Interest Whistleblower Protections and Judicial Reform

BAOLIAO COMMUNE CO., LTD. filed both criminal and civil lawsuits against Mr. Wang—a move that qualifies as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). By delivering a not guilty verdict, the court has sent a clear message against lawsuits that could create a chilling effect on civil society. This ruling affirms that public-interest speech and whistleblowing should be legally protected, and that defamation lawsuits should not be weaponized to silence whistleblowers.

The civil organizations commend the court’s decision and urge the judiciary to continue protecting public-interest whistleblowing, ensuring a fair balance between freedom of speech and reputation rights. We will continue monitoring the civil proceedings of this case and advocate for legal reforms to ensure that more citizens can safely participate in public discussions and expose wrongdoing.

Additionally, the leader of BAOLIAO COMMUNE CO., LTD. has recently been suspected of involvement in the "FANS 17" case, allegedly violating the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act. While this case remains under investigation, it has once again raised serious concerns and public outrage regarding the company’s practices.

For years, Mr. Wang Yingda has been engaged in legal disputes with BAOLIAO COMMUNE CO., LTD., demonstrating his dedication to public-interest oversight and advocacy. We call on society to remain vigilant regarding the outcome of the ongoing civil lawsuit and to collectively safeguard civic engagement, free speech, and the space for public-interest debate.

Signing Organizations

  • Judicial Reform Foundation
  • Women in Digital Alliance 台灣數位女力聯盟

Media Contacts