Huang Kuo-chang Cleared: Prosecution Dismissed After Calling Lai Chin-lin a 'Corruption Protector' of the New Tide Faction

Taiwan People's Party Chair Huang Kuo-chang held a press conference during the 2023 presidential election, naming former Yunbao Energy Chairman Lai Chin-lin as one of the '12 Corruption Protectors' of the New Tide faction, accusing him of contributing to public disillusionment with the DPP government. Lai Chin-lin subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against Huang.

After investigation, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office determined that Huang's remarks constituted public commentary on matters of public interest and decided not to prosecute. Lai appealed the decision, but the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office reviewed the case and rejected the appeal, finalizing Huang's non-prosecution.

The case originated on December 11, 2023, when Huang presided over a press conference titled 'New Tide Corruption Group, Lai Qingde, Face Up,' hosted by then-presidential candidate Ko Wen-je's campaign headquarters. Huang named 12 individuals, including Wu Nai-jen and Lai Chin-lin, as responsible for public dissatisfaction with the DPP. Fellow speaker Hsu Chung-hsin also raised concerns about green energy policies and Taipower's losses, prompting Lai to sue both men.

On March 3, 2024, the Taipei prosecutors summoned Huang for questioning. After the hearing, Huang criticized Lai, calling his lawsuit 'shameful abuse of legal process,' and accused the DPP of using the judiciary to silence critics. Lai then added charges of public insult and defamation.

Prosecutors found that Huang's use of 'corruption protector' was in reference to specific allegations raised by Hsu during the same event, not baseless fabrication. Even if offensive, the remarks lacked malicious intent to defame.

Regarding Huang's comment that Lai's lawsuit was 'shameful abuse,' prosecutors concluded it expressed dissatisfaction with litigation behavior, not unfounded insults. As a value judgment on public affairs and legal conduct, it fell within constitutional free speech protections, warranting non-prosecution.

Lai appealed the Taipei decision to the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, which reviewed the case and found the original investigation thorough and the non-prosecution justified. The appeal was dismissed, finalizing Huang's clearance.

However, co-speaker Hsu Chung-hsin was indicted. Prosecutors determined Hsu's claims of stock manipulation, insider trading, and green energy profiteering lacked sufficient verification and exceeded acceptable commentary limits. He was charged with aggravated defamation and is currently on trial at Taipei District Court.