DPP Legislator Shen Po-yang Loses Defamation Lawsuit Against Fu Kun-chi, Considers Appeal

Taipei, July 9 (CNA) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator and Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang has lost a defamation lawsuit against Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Fu Kun-chi. Shen had sued Fu for allegedly accusing him of receiving foreign funding and engaging in subversive activities. Shen announced on July 9 that he would consider appealing after receiving the court's written judgment.

Fu Kun-chi held a press conference on March 4 last year, stating that Shen Po-yang "received foreign funding and is engaged in subversive activities here." Shen argued that these remarks were made without reasonable verification, constituted false accusations and slander, diminished his reputation in society, and infringed upon his right to reputation. He therefore sought NT$1 million in non-pecuniary damages from Fu.

The Taipei District Court ruled on July 9 that Fu Kun-chi's remarks regarding Shen Po-yang "receiving foreign funding" were not without basis. The court also found Fu's defense that "subversive activities" was a form of commentary rhetoric, not a specific factual accusation, to be credible. The court concluded that ordinary people would not infer any criminal behavior by Shen based on these statements.

The court reasoned that Fu Kun-chi's statements had reasonable grounds to believe they were true and concerned matters of public interest that are subject to public comment. The court deemed the commentary to be appropriate and not an unlawful infringement of Shen Po-yang's reputation, thus dismissing the plaintiff's claim. The case can be appealed.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Gangqian Pumping Station on the afternoon of July 9, Shen Po-yang stated that Fu Kun-chi's fabrications against him have never ceased. He also noted that during the trial, it was revealed that Fu had made these fabrications without any verification. Therefore, Shen said he would definitely discuss an appeal with his lawyers after receiving the judgment. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150709

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