[Post-Press Conference Press Release] 21 Years Later, Hsu Tzu-chiang Finally Completes the Path of Judicial Justice—Hsu Tzu-chiang Case Acquittal Press Conference

The wrongful conviction of Hsu Tzu-chiang, which occurred in 1995, went through 7 death penalty judgments and 2 life imprisonment judgments across 21 years of litigation and 16 years of imprisonment. Today, the Supreme Court finally dismissed the prosecutor's appeal, finalizing his acquittal!

Upon receiving the news, Hsu Tzu-chiang himself was extremely emotional, in disbelief, his mind blank and left speechless. He immediately called his mother. At first, Mother Hsu did not understand what "dismissal" meant, but after Ah-chiang explained that it meant "finalized acquittal," Mother Hsu burst into tears on the other end of the phone. At today's press conference, Hsu Tzu-chiang expressed his deepest gratitude to his hardworking family; it was precisely because of his family's persistent refusal to give up that he was able to make it to this day. Especially since Mother Hsu's birthday is coming up in a few days, this is the best gift for her. Ah-chiang also specifically thanked friends from all walks of life who had supported him over the years, as well as the perseverance of the pro bono defense team, and thanked the media for their continued attention.

The pro bono defense team affirms and thanks the Supreme Court for this judgment. The litigation of the Hsu Tzu-chiang case spanned a lengthy 21 years. In 2001, after the death penalty sentence was finalized, the pro bono defense team and civil society organizations began rescue efforts. Through Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 582, this case finally had the opportunity for a retrial, yet the Taipei High Court's Sixth Remand Trial still handed down a death penalty, followed by two life imprisonment judgments in subsequent trials, which left people feeling helpless and disappointed. Everyone never gave up, and we are grateful to the three judges of the Ninth Remand Trial for courageously rendering an acquittal, which was upheld by the Supreme Court. The persistence of Hsu Tzu-chiang himself and his family has been the driving force moving the defense team forward.

What makes the Hsu Tzu-chiang case special is that during the rescue process, Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 582 was issued as a result of this case, mandating that cross-examination must take place when applying the statements of a co-defendant. This is a step forward for Taiwan's criminal litigation system. Taiwan's judiciary once experienced an era of convictions based on co-defendants biting each other. The Hsu case proves that Taiwan has moved towards strict proof and the rule of strict evidence, bidding farewell to the past era under authoritarian rule where convictions relied merely on confessions that also implicated the innocent. This is an important turning point for transitional justice.

"But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream," pro bono defense team member Attorney Yu Po-hsiang quoted from the Bible to express his feelings upon seeing society rescue the Hsu case. In the beginning, very few people participated in the rescue efforts; later, it was like a small stream from a valley flowing into a major river and rushing into the vast sea. In the end, many friends in society paid attention to this case, leading to a good outcome.

The Hsu Tzu-chiang case bears witness to the progress of Taiwan's criminal litigation system, the advancement of the judiciary, and the progress of society. We hope that all wrongful convictions in Taiwan can be vindicated just like the Hsu Tzu-chiang case. The judiciary is meant to protect human rights; when it is used to persecute human rights, it causes immense harm.

We have always looked forward to the advancement of the judiciary, expecting the courts to place greater emphasis on evidence and the rule of strict evidence, and to be willing to face past potential mistakes. The Hsu Tzu-chiang case is the best proof!

Attendees

Hsu Tzu-chiang / Defendant
Attorney Lin Yung-sung / Hsu Case Pro Bono Defense Team
Attorney Yu Po-hsiang / Hsu Case Pro Bono Defense Team
Attorney Ch'en Chien-hung / Hsu Case Pro Bono Defense Team
Attorney Yen Hsin-yin / Hsu Case Pro Bono Defense Team

Media Contact

Attorney Kao Jung-chih 02-25231178