The Taiwan High Court acquitted a man on Wednesday in a retrial of a 29 year old attempted murder case. Su Yao hui had previously received an eight year prison sentence. The case dates back to 1997 in New Taipei City’s Tucheng District. Two men wielding machetes attacked a husband and wife there.
The High Court ordered a retrial in October last year based on new evidence. Prosecutors had used a polygraph examination to help convict Su. However, the court found major errors in the polygraph test and its interpretation. A former investigator’s testimony revealed these flaws. The Supreme Court rejected the prosecution’s appeal in January.
Su expressed deep gratitude for his lawyers and the Taiwan Innocence Project. This organization provides pro bono legal services for wrongful convictions. He said his name has finally been cleared after nearly three decades. Following the original conviction, Su became a fugitive. He tried to prove his innocence but received no official assistance.
The original conviction stated that Su wore a full face helmet. He and an unidentified male accomplice attacked the victims with a machete. The couple had previously reported their neighbors over illegal structures. They also had been involved in related litigation at that time. The victims gave police a description of the culprits’ appearance. Later, they identified Su from a photo lineup. The High Court noted that the police identification procedures influenced their report.
Legal experts praise the Taiwan Innocence Project for its diligent work. The case highlights systemic problems with polygraph evidence and eyewitness identification. Future reforms may require stricter standards for such evidence. The prosecution has not announced any further appeal. For now, Su can finally rebuild his life after 29 years. This wrongful conviction overturned serves as a milestone for justice in Taiwan.
