Su Chien-ho Case Pro Bono Defense Team: Supreme Court Remand for Retrial is Deeply Disappointing and Painful! We Insist on Complete Exoneration and Will Never Stop!

Today, the Supreme Court overturned the not-guilty verdict of the second retrial of the Su Chien-ho case, remanding the entire case once again to the Taiwan High Court for retrial. Regarding this, we express our utmost disappointment and grief!

After being granted a retrial in the year 2000 (89), this case was once revised to an acquittal, and the defendants were released without bail. Following the Supreme Court's two remands for retrial, the investigation results in court have gradually brought the truth to light: "one true perpetrator who has already been executed, two wrongfully killed victims, and three innocent defendants." The so-called confessions of guilt by the defendants were entirely the result of torture, coercion, framing, and false accusations by law enforcement personnel, bolstered by the shielding and connivance of prosecutors.

The Supreme Court overturned the not-guilty verdict based on the following grounds: 1. The police officers involved testified that there was no torture or coerced confession; 2. The executed true perpetrator Wang Wen-hsiao and the three defendants had all confessed to the crime; although there were discrepancies and contradictions among multiple statements, they could not be entirely dismissed; 3. Dr. Henry Lee's forensic evaluation failed to consider that the low furniture at the scene allowed the perpetrator to jump onto the furniture to commit the crime, and there were flaws in the calculation of spatial data at the scene... Such reasoning fundamentally violates the presumption of innocence and the strict proof rule beyond a reasonable doubt. This attitude of stubbornly clinging to false confessions, shrinking from the truth, refusing to admit mistakes for the sake of judicial prestige, clearly violates legal professionalism and conscience.

In his inaugural speech on October 13 last year, newly appointed Judicial Yuan President Lai Hao-min emphasized initiating judicial reform through integrity, professionalism, and trust, completing the legislation of the "Judges Act," and weeding out incompetent or corrupt judicial officials; if swiftly and resolutely implemented, this should win public support. However, the cultivation of judges' integrity, conscience, and moral courage cannot be overlooked; otherwise, when facing life-and-death doubtful cases, they will be unable to render fair and clear judgments.

The defense counsel vows to uphold the unwavering conviction of the past twenty years without hesitation. With the full support of the "Su Case Exoneration Team," we will continue to pro bono assist the defendants in clearing their names. Unless a final judgment of innocence is secured, we will never stop!

Press Contact

Su Yu-chen, Convener of the Su Chien-ho Case Pro Bono Defense Team, Attorney-at-Law 02-23934125