Court Observation Recruitment | Criminal Oral Argument | Following the Wave of Reports on RISU Groups for Sexually Intimate Images... (First-Instance Oral Argument Hearing)

Those concerned about the issue of sexually intimate images likely remember that in June 2023, the incident involving the dissemination of such images on Facebook's RISU groups broke out, triggering a series of reports and campaigns. Half a year later, through public mobilization, these groups no longer exhibit the dissemination of sexually intimate images.

However, amidst this wave of public discussion and mobilization, some individuals have become entangled in lawsuits.

JRF, together with other gender advocacy groups, participated in the legislative amendments related to sexually intimate images and is pleased to see the new law passed in early January become a legal umbrella for victims. However, the protection of crime victims relies not only on robust laws but also on public support for victims and the deterrence of the dissemination of sexually intimate images. We continue to closely monitor the legal proceedings arising from this wave of mobilization!

Background of the Incident

• In May, the Taiwan Digital Power Women Alliance first initiated a reporting campaign against RISU. Subsequently, Wang Ying-ta also responded to this action and began reporting the groups. However, as the number of reports accumulated, Wang Ying-ta discovered that the administrators of the RISU groups overlapped with those of the "Bao Liao Kung-she" (Exposing Society), with some administrators even involved in both groups simultaneously, referred to as "Bao-system administrators."
• June 3, 2023: Wang Ying-ta posted: "I just checked and reported the Risu groups found on Facebook one by one, and discovered that the administrators of several groups are actually the fan account named 'Bao-system Administrator'. Upon checking, it turns out to be Bao Liao Kung-she! Could it be that the internet company Bao Liao Kung-she is actually directly operating or helping manage the racket of leaked intimate videos like Risu? Absolutely disgraceful!"
• Bao Liao Kung-she filed a lawsuit for defamation, and the District Prosecutor's Office held its first hearing and indicted him within a month.
• 2023/06/30 Received the civil complaint
• 2023/09/25 Received the criminal indictment
• 2023/11/13 Criminal court mediation and preparatory proceedings
• 2023/11/27 Criminal court mediation
• 2023/11/28 Civil court mediation
• 2024/01/04 Civil court mediation
• 2024/01/08 Criminal court preparatory proceedings
• 2024/02/01 Civil court mediation

Court Observation Time

Currently, both the civil and criminal lawsuits filed by Bao Liao Kung-she against Wang Ying-ta are proceeding simultaneously. Among them, the oral argument hearing for the criminal case is scheduled for February 19. The Judicial Reform Foundation and the Taiwan Digital Power Women Alliance will dispatch personnel for court observation, and interested friends are welcome to attend! After the hearing, volunteer attorney for this case, Attorney Li Ling-wei, will hold a discussion and exchange with everyone.

Q: What are Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation?

"Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation" (SLAPPs) refer to practices that oppose or challenge attempts to influence legal proceedings through public opinion, social pressure, or public sentiment. Legally speaking, lawsuits should be based on law and evidence, free from the influence of social and public emotions. This means that court procedures should be independent, objective, and based on established legal principles, rather than having judgments or legal rulings swayed by external social pressure.

Proponents of anti-SLAPP principles argue that courts should adhere to legal procedures and adjudicate cases based on legal standards and evidence rather than being swayed by external viewpoints or public opinion. Such a standpoint emphasizes the importance of the rule of law and warns against letting public emotion or social pressure compromise judicial independence and impartiality.

Q: What Related Resources Are Available?

• Li Ling-wei, Chang Yu-cheng / How to Expose Things Online Without Committing a Crime? Does the Right to Reputation or Freedom of Speech Matter More?
• Mirror Media / Netizens Catch RISU Group Administrator Also Serving as "Bao-system" Admin! Bao Liao Kung-she Suddenly Suspended, Provides Explanation
• Quick Guide to Legislative Amendments on Sexually Intimate Images

Contact Person

Advocacy Specialist Hsieh Chia-chen
jane@jrf.org.tw
04-23292372#11