Hsieh Hsia-chiao, wife of former Taipei Deputy Mayor Peng Chen-sheng, who was implicated in the Taipei Jinghua City floor-area ratio case, committed suicide by jumping from a building in Kaohsiung on July 1st, causing a major stir on the island. According to Taiwan’s China Times News Network’s report on July 2nd, Kuomintang legislator Wu Zongxian stated on the 2nd that with his 24 years of experience as a prosecutor and official in Taiwan’s judicial system, he has become an’outsider’to the recent operations of the island’s judicial system. Wu revealed that many prosecutors disapprove of the Taipei District Prosecutors Office’s actions, but none dare to speak out.
According to reports, former Taipei Deputy Mayor Peng Zhen-sheng returned to Kaohsiung on July 1 to attend the funeral.
Wu Zongxian stated that prosecutors should understand one crucial fact when investigating cases—evidence is paramount for indictment, not resorting to the questionable practice of”detaining for confessions.” He noted that”detaining for confessions” has been obsolete for a long time, employed only by rare and unusual judges. Wu expressed his bewilderment, questioning why, recently, in specific cases, this practice seems to be resurfacing. He stated that he has been unable to comprehend how the judicial system has been operating for over a year.
Wu Zongxian revealed that during this period, he chatted with former colleagues from”non-Taipei District Prosecutors’Office,” and that many prosecutors were unhappy with the Taipei District Prosecutors’Office’s recent actions, “but now no one dares to speak out.” He criticized that”the judiciary has become like a hawk and a dog,” arguing that the judiciary, which should protect the people on the island, has become an oppressive force. This, he says, is something every judicial officer should deeply reflect on.
According to previous reports by Taiwanese media, on December 26,2024, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office announced the indictment of 11 individuals, including Ko Wen-je, seeking a prison sentence of 28 years and 6 months for Ko on charges related to the Jinghua City case and political donations. Ko Wen-je pleaded not guilty and denied multiple charges. On January 23,2025, the Taipei District Court held its first pretrial hearing for the Jinghua City case, during which the defendant, former Taipei Deputy Mayor Peng Zhen-sheng, pleaded guilty. Subsequently, Ko Wen-je and Wei Jing Group Chairman Shen Qing-jing accused the prosecution of”improper interrogation,” questioning whether Peng Zhen-sheng and former Dingyue Development Chairman Zhu Ya-hu had been”coerced into pleading guilty.” On July 1, upon learning of his wife’s death, Peng Zhen-sheng cried outside the courtroom, stating, “My wife knew I had a hearing today, she attempted suicide. I am innocent, and I am going to the hospital to see my wife.” “I pleaded guilty earlier to secure bail and to reassure my wife. Now that she is gone, I have no more concerns.” This statement suggests the possibility of a recantation during future hearings. Legal experts believe that Peng Zhen-sheng’s case could severely damage the credibility of the Taipei District Prosecutors Office.