Chiang Kuo-ch'ing Finally Vindicated, with Statute of Limitations Not Exceeded: Taipei District Prosecutors Office Urged to Expedite Accountability

Regarding the acquittal of Chiang Kuo-ch'ing, the Foundation respectfully expresses the following views:

1. The Northern Taiwan Regional Military Court rendered a verdict of acquittal for Chiang Kuo-ch'ing through retrial proceedings, clearing his name. The Foundation welcomes this development and hopes that the relevant compensation procedures will proceed promptly in accordance with the law.
2. In mid-July, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office remanded the case involving Ch'en Chao-min and other military officers implicated in torturing Chiang Kuo-ch'ing to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for continued investigation. It instructed the office to ascertain whether they committed offenses such as murder, abuse of power in prosecution resulting in death, or unlawful detention resulting in death. If the charges are established, the 20-year statute of limitations has not yet been exceeded. Now that Chiang Kuo-ch'ing has been acquitted, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, which is responsible for pursuing accountability, must also accelerate its pace to give the public a clear and definitive account.
3. Chiang Kuo-ch'ing was undoubtedly made a scapegoat due to the military's eagerness to solve the case. Those who participated in the torture, investigation, and trial should bear their due legal responsibility, and society must severely condemn them. Beyond this, Taiwanese society must also calmly reflect: Who on earth killed Chiang Kuo-ch'ing? Was it the system? Was it individuals? Or was it both? We must take this opportunity to thoroughly review and improve. Otherwise, innocent people being convicted and even executed by firing squad will continue to happen.

Press Contact

Lin Feng-cheng, Attorney-at-Law, Executive Director, Judicial Reform Foundation 02-2523-1178