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Hsu Tzu-chiang Case

Hsu Tzu-chiang Case

Hsu Tzu-chiang was convicted and sentenced to death seven times and to life imprisonment twice for allegedly being involved in a kidnapping and extortion case. The courts based their guilty verdicts primarily on the confessions of his co-defendants. However, these co-defendants' confessions not only contradicted one another, but each individual's statements were also inconsistent over time. Can evidence like this truly justify a guilty verdict?

Left only with co-defendants who "pointed the finger at him," Hsu Tzu-chiang, who was innocent and trusted the justice system, decided to face the charges head-on. Little did he know that what awaited him was an endless path of injustice.

"For over a decade, I always wanted to hug my mother."

Reflecting on his life "inside," Hsu Tzu-chiang said this.

Sixteen years on death row, twenty years of litigation, and a persistent injustice every step of the way—boundless despair was once what awaited Hsu Tzu-chiang. We still do not understand what it takes for the judicial system to admit its mistakes. Yet, on the road to justice, with every additional person who stands up, perhaps we can walk one less mile of wrongful suffering.

Learn about the Hsu Case

24Jul.
2015

Clues Traversing Time and Space: Returning to September 1, 1995—Press Conference on the Simulated Inspection Tour of the Hslu Tzu-chiang Case

Judicial Reform Foundation

15Jul.
2015

What did the co-defendants of Chen Tzu-chiang say?

Chen Yu-fan / Deputy Executive Director, Judicial Reform Foundation

On July 8, the retrial (Ninth Remand) of the Chen Tzu-chiang case held its second evidence-investigation procedure. The…

15Jul.
2015

I am Hsu Tzu-chiang, I Want a Real Trial—Hundred-Person Choir Support Press Conference

Taiwan Association for Human Rights, Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty, Taiwan Association for Innocence, Environmental Jurists Association, Taiwan Queer Rights Promotion Alliance, Island Nation Advance, Prison Watch, Attorney Li Yen-jung, Judicial Reform Foundation

08Jul.
2015

Continuing Rigorous Debate and Investigating Favorable Evidence: No Hasty Case Closure Allowed - Court Observation Press Conference for Hsu Tzu-chiang's 9th Remand Retrial

Association for Judicial Reform

Hsu Tzu-chiang's 9th remand retrial continued to hold court this morning. The Foundation expresses its deep affirmation…

25Jun.
2015

What Does It Take for a Judge to Believe Me?

Kao Jung-chih / Executive Director, Judicial Reform Foundation

After 20 years, the retrial (the 9th remand) of the Hsu Tzu-chiang case entered the "evidence investigation" phase of…

24Jun.
2015

A Lifeline for the Condemned: Civil Society Court Observation Press Briefing on the Ninth Retrial of Hsu Tzu-chiang

Taiwan Association for Human Rights, Judicial Reform Foundation, Taiwan Association for Innocence, Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty

As the trial of Hsu Tzu-chiang resumes in court today, we strongly urge the collegiate bench not to allow impending…

06Mar.
2015

Truth, Confrontation, and Beheading Chickens

Kao Jung-chih / Executive Director, Judicial Reform Foundation

"Raising a chopper is your right; refusing to raise the chopper to behead a chicken means you are guilty." Beyond being…

05Mar.
2015

Perhaps We Should All Learn Humility in the Face of Truth: Post-Script on Court Observation of the Hsuch'en Case

Lin Yü-ts'ang / Executive Secretary, Judicial Reform Foundation

Before attending court hearings as an observer, my imagination of witness examination came mostly from movies. Films…

26Feb.
2015

Justice Arrives for Hsu, Innocence Prevails—Waiting for the Blossoming of Justice, No Matter How Many Days It Takes

Judicial Reform Foundation

The Hsu Tzu-chiang case has spanned nineteen years, with the retrial (ninth remand) preparation proceedings held on the…

23Dec.
2014

Trial e-Digitization Means Transparency: Press Conference Urging the Prompt Establishment of a Tech-Enabled Courtroom for the Hsuch Tzu-chiang Case

Judicial Reform Foundation

The Judicial Yuan has been actively promoting the implementation of digital technology in courtrooms. Starting in 2012,…

09Dec.
2014

The Presumption of Innocence That Cannot Leave the Classroom—Court Observation of Hsu Tzu-chiang's 9th Remand Trial

Liao Szu-min / Vice President of Soochow University Downtown Campus Vaulting Horse Club, JRF Volunteer

Ten years ago, the Hsu Tzu-chiang case successfully reopened following the delivery of Judicial Yuan Interpretation No.…

14Nov.
2014

When Injustice Takes Shape

Kao Jung-chih / Executive Director, Judicial Reform Foundation

When I was young and did well in school, I would be made class monitor, acting as a good student in the eyes of the…