[Statement] Acquittal in the June 26 Wulai Vehicle-Blocking Case on Appeal—Statement by the Pro Bono Legal Team

Today, the Taiwan High Court delivered its second-instance verdict in the case where the defendants Wei Yang and seven others used their bodies and chains to block the vehicle of Chang Chih-chun, Director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, in Wulai in June 2014. The Court overturned the original guilty verdict and acquitted Wei Yang and the seven others. The pro bono legal team highly commends this ruling.

The choice made by Wei Yang and the seven others to block the road and physically obstruct the motorcade of Chang Chih-chun was done for no other reason than to protest the then-government's rapid pro-China tilt and disregard for Taiwan's security. They hoped this action would awaken the ruling authorities to listen to and value public opinion, and through this highly political and symbolic speech, prompt the public to confront the threat posed to Taiwan's sovereignty by the government's pro-China policies at the time. This action should rightfully be protected by the Constitution under freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, and there is no justification for imposing criminal liability.

The Taiwan High Court was able to uphold the constitutional intent of protecting citizens' freedom of speech and freedom of assembly by declaring the defendants not guilty, demonstrating the judiciary's stature as a guardian of people's rights. This not only enhances public trust in the judiciary but also fosters the further sound development of democracy and the rule of law through this judgment.

We hope the government will bear this judgment in mind, respect and listen to the voices of the people, affirm the people's dedication to upholding the values of democracy and the rule of law, and refrain from readily using criminal sanctions as a means to suppress dissenting voices.

Special Thanks to the First and Second-Instance Members of the Legal Team Who Assisted in This Case

• Attorney Ting Wên-sheng
• Attorney Yu Po-hsiang
• Attorney Wang Chan-hsing
• Attorney Wang Mu-ning
• Attorney Yu Tsung-ming
• Attorney Li Ch'üan-ho
• Attorney Lin Chün-hung
• Attorney Lin Chien-hung
• Attorney Lin Ch'ang-yeh
• Attorney T'ang Yü-ying
• Attorney Kao Yung-ch'eng
• Attorney Chang Ching-ya
• Attorney Liang Yen-ni
• Attorney Ch'en Wan-yü
• Attorney Tseng Wei-k'ai
• Attorney Huang Po-chang
• Attorney Huang Kuo-ch'eng
• Attorney Huang Shu-fang
• Attorney Liu Kuan-t'ing
• Attorney Liu Chi-wei
• Attorney Ts'ai Tsung-chao
• Attorney Chiang Hsin-yu
• Attorney Lai Ying-chen
• Attorney Lo Yi-tzu
• Attorney Hsieh Fu-kai
• Attorney Lo Wan-ting
• Attorney Ku Li-hsiung

Press Contact

Ting Yü-cheng 02-25231178#20