Statement by the Pro Bono Legal Team for Lo Ming-ts'un: Plagued by a Wrongful Conviction and Failing Health, Lo Ming-ts'un's Extension for Medical Parole Improperly Denied; Yilan Prison Must Shoulder the Responsibility of Proper Care

Former Hsinchuang Precinct Criminal Investigation Division Chief Lo Ming-ts'un was accused of accepting bribes and, after multiple trials, was finally sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2009 (case overview). Lo has consistently maintained his innocence and was diagnosed with cancer while serving his sentence. Upon evaluation by the Yilan Prison medical team, he was granted medical parole in August 2021.

There are numerous controversies within the judicial proceedings of Lo Ming-ts'un's case, including improper interrogation and flawed polygraph reports. Lo has also repeatedly filed for extraordinary appeals and retrials, all of which have been dismissed. While Lo's case has yet to be vindicated, Yilan Prison recently rejected his application to extend his medical parole on the grounds that his condition has improved.

According to the medical certificate provided by Lo Ming-ts'un's attending physician, Lo still requires ongoing treatment, needs dedicated personal care, and must avoid cluster infections. Unexplained shadows have also appeared in Lo's lungs, all of which indicate that his physical condition remains unstable and requires continued follow-up and treatment by his attending physician.

However, when reviewing Lo Ming-ts'un's application for an extension of medical parole, Yilan Prison relied solely on visits by internal prison personnel without fully consulting the professional opinions of the attending physician, and completely ignored the physician's medical instructions, concluding that Lo's current condition makes him fit to return to prison to serve his sentence. This act not only disregards Lo's fundamental human rights, but also ignores a basic respect for human life.

We hereby call upon Yilan Prison to immediately re-evaluate Lo Ming-ts'un's application for an extension of medical parole and to ensure that he receives all necessary medical support during his imprisonment. As an institution that should cautiously safeguard the health of the party concerned, Yilan Prison has a responsibility to ensure that Lo receives adequate medical care while serving his sentence.

Furthermore, we urge the Agency of Corrections to reform the current review mechanism for medical parole and applications for its extension. In evaluating an applicant's physical condition, decisions should not rely solely on internal prison visits and medical certificates, but should consult the opinions of their attending physicians, so as to ensure that the health and lives of individuals in similar situations receive better protection.

Statement Contact

Ch'en Kuan-chen, Legal Specialist, Judicial Reform Foundation
Telephone: 02-2523-1178#21