The Taiwan High Court has overturned a wrongful imprisonment conviction in a high-profile 1993 murder case. Baker Lu Chin-kai, previously sentenced to 20 years in prison, was declared not guilty after a retrial. This verdict ends a decades-long legal battle and highlights ongoing concerns about wrongful imprisonment in Taiwan’s judicial system.
Lu expressed gratitude to the judges for recognizing his innocence. He thanked the judges for believing in his innocence following the ruling. He also reflected that the judicial system in 1993 was less advanced than it is today. Lu added, “Now that the court has found me not guilty, I can provide an answer to my deceased parents and society.”
The case dates back to December 1993, when someone murdered a National Chung Hsing University student in an apartment in Zhonghe City, now part of New Taipei City. Prosecutors initially accused Lu and another man, Chen Hsi-ching, of kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and killing the student. Chen had a prior sexual offense record and authorities had recently paroled him.
In 1994, a district court sentenced both men to death. However, after multiple appeals and retrials, the Taiwan High Court found that Lu’s role was less direct. The court concluded that Lu tied a knot around the victim’s neck that did not cause death, while Chen later tied the fatal knot. This finding led to a reduced 20-year sentence for Lu and a death sentence for Chen.
Lu was paroled in 2012 and applied for a retrial after new DNA evidence surfaced. The Taiwan Innocence Project, which began assisting Lu in 2012, played a critical role in uncovering this new evidence. The group urged prosecutors not to appeal the recent verdict to bring closure to Lu’s wrongful imprisonment. This case shines a light on the risks of wrongful imprisonment in Taiwan and underscores the importance of advancements in forensic science. Legal experts note that improvements in DNA testing have led to the correction of numerous miscarriages of justice in recent years.
Looking ahead, the ruling may prompt further reviews of past convictions. It also raises calls for ongoing reforms in Taiwan’s judicial system to prevent future wrongful imprisonments. The Taiwan Innocence Project continues to advocate for those wrongfully convicted, emphasizing the need for transparency and due process. The acquittal of Lu Chin-kai serves as a significant milestone in Taiwan’s fight against wrongful imprisonment. It reminds society of the need for vigilance in safeguarding justice and protecting the innocent.
