Taiwan Court in Turmoil: Judge's Ouster Follows High-Profile Fugitive Case

The judiciary responds swiftly to perceived missteps in the escape of a convicted economic criminal.

In a dramatic move, the Judicial Yuan in Taiwan has taken action following the flight of Chung Wen-chih (鍾文智), the former head of Lian-Yi Abalone, who was convicted of stock manipulation (TDR) and profited NT$470 million. With a total prison sentence of 30 years and 5 months, Chung Wen-chih (鍾文智) absconded before being incarcerated, leaving behind a NT$100 million bail.

The controversy stems from the Taiwan High Court's failure last year to extend the surveillance of technological devices and the use of a "trial form" instead of a ruling, which prevented the prosecution from appealing. This situation has ignited widespread criticism.

Following an investigation by the High Court's self-discipline committee, a recommendation was made to High Court President Kao Chin-chih (高金枝) to request the Judge's Evaluation Committee to assess the presiding judge, Chiu Chung-yi (邱忠義), and the assigned judge, Chen Yung-sung (陳勇松). In the evening, the Judicial Yuan determined that Chiu Chung-yi's (邱忠義) actions made him unsuitable to continue serving as a court chief. The Judicial Yuan will propose to the Personnel Review Committee to remove him from his additional position as a court chief.

The Judicial Yuan further stated that they will continue to investigate whether other members of the collegiate panel were involved in any other misconduct and will take appropriate legal action.