Taipei Cult Center Murder Case Appeals Hearing: Wang Yun Requests Bail

(Taipei, April 13 - Reporter Liu Shih-yi) Writer Wang Yun (real name Wang Chiang-chen) is involved in a murder case at a spiritual retreat in Taipei. After being sentenced to 12 years in the first trial, the High Court held an appeals hearing today. Wang Yun pleaded not guilty and requested bail of NT$6 million. His appointed lawyer stated that a settlement with the victim's family has been reached and fully fulfilled.

However, at the end of the hearing, the victim's family expressed opposition to Wang Yun's release on bail. They accused Wang Yun and his lawyer of violating confidentiality clauses by disclosing the settlement amount and failing to meet settlement conditions, and announced plans to sue for breach-of-contract damages.

Wang Yun maintained his innocence in court and expressed hope to secure bail with NT$6 million, leaving further details to his legal team.

Wang Yun's lawyer argued that his client lacked criminal intent and that there was no objective causal link between his actions and the victim's death. He emphasized that Wang Yun had already fulfilled moral responsibility by settling with the family and completing all payments. Detained for over 500 days, Wang Yun reportedly suffers from skin rashes and broken nails. The defense stated they are actively raising the NT$6 million, offered to surrender his passport, freeze real estate assets, and comply with all alternative detention measures, including travel bans, electronic monitoring, police check-ins, or release under legal supervision.

Prosecutors opposed the bail request, citing that Wang Yun faces charges carrying over five years in prison, including a 12-year sentence in the first trial. They argued that, given human nature to avoid punishment, there is a flight risk. Additionally, they claimed Wang Yun held a leadership role in the case and could influence other defendants or witnesses to give false testimony, urging the court to reject the bail application.

The defense requested the court to commission National Taiwan University College of Medicine to form an expert panel—including forensic pathology, emergency/critical care, and nephrology specialists—to re-examine the cause of death determined by the Ministry of Justice's Institute of Forensic Medicine. The original autopsy concluded the victim died of kidney failure caused by rhabdomyolysis due to multiple bruises. This approach mirrors the expert review used in the Su Chien-ho case.

Judge Chen Hai-ning stated the request was too vague and asked the defense to specify the exact institutions and experts involved, justify the necessity, and submit relevant references from the Su Chien-ho case to the panel by August 10.

The case originated on July 24, 2024, when Taipei police responded to a report of a female follower, surnamed Tsai, found collapsed inside a retreat center on Ssu-wei Road. Forensic examination confirmed her death resulted from kidney failure following rhabdomyolysis caused by extensive bruising.

Prosecutors charged Wang Yun, actor Lee Wei, and 11 others with offenses including causing death by injury, coercion, and aiding in causing death by injury. In May, the first-instance court sentenced Wang Yun to 12 years for causing death by injury. Lee Wei and his spouse received 1 year and 10 months, and 1 year and 8 months respectively, for aiding in causing death, both with five-year suspended sentences. The remaining defendants received sentences ranging from 1 year and 6 months to 10 years.

The first-instance ruling found that Wang Yun was dissatisfied with Tsai's handling of a marital property dispute lawsuit and ordered a 'review session' against her. Despite Tsai kneeling to repent and becoming a nun, the 'review' continued, during which she was beaten into unconsciousness. Delayed medical intervention led to her death. The case has been appealed and is now under review by the Taiwan High Court. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150713