Taiwan’s judicial system reached a controversial conclusion this week, as the Supreme Court upheld an 18-year prison sentence for Chen Po-yen (陳柏諺), who was convicted of murdering 24-year-old Malaysian student Chen I-chun (陳艾群) in October 2022. The ruling marked the end of a legal process that has drawn significant public attention due to its international dimensions and concerns about justice and sentencing standards in cases involving foreign victims.
The Supreme Court’s final verdict supported the sentence reduction handed down by the Taiwan High Court in February 2024, which was itself a revision of the 24-year sentence initially issued by the Taichung District Court in July 2023.
⚖️ Background: A Tragic Killing in Taichung
On October 13, 2022, Chen I-chun, a student at Tunghai University, was reported missing by friends. Just two days later, her body was found in the residence of her ex-boyfriend, Chen Po-yen, who confessed to her murder. According to prosecutors, the killing was premeditated, with financial motives believed to have been at the core of the incident.
The victim had reportedly loaned money to Chen Po-yen during their relationship. When she demanded repayment and decided to end all contact, Chen, who was allegedly under financial pressure and emotionally unstable, lured her to his apartment under the pretext of returning the funds and strangled her to death using a scarf.
🧠 Court Reasoning: Sentence Reduction Amid Controversy
The Taiwan High Court’s February decision to reduce the sentence from 24 to 18 years sparked a wave of criticism, especially from women’s rights groups and members of the Malaysian community in Taiwan. The court cited several mitigating factors in its decision:
- Financial Motive, Not Cruelty – The court classified the motive as driven by financial dispute rather than pure malice or sadism, which typically warrants harsher penalties.
- Genuine Remorse and Cooperation – Chen Po-yen surrendered to police, confessed to the crime, and expressed regret during the trial.
- No Prior Criminal Record – This being Chen’s first offense, the court believed he had potential for rehabilitation.
- Victim’s Agreement to Visit – The court controversially stated that the victim had voluntarily gone to the perpetrator’s apartment, thus framing the interaction as initially non-coercive.
While the High Court stressed the sentence was based on Taiwan’s Criminal Code and legal guidelines for manslaughter and murder, critics argued the ruling lacked sensitivity to gender-based violence and failed to account for the vulnerabilities of international students.
🌏 Broader Implications: A Case That Crossed Borders
Chen I-chun was one of thousands of Malaysian students studying in Taiwan under educational exchange agreements and international programs. Her murder not only shocked Taiwanese society but drew the attention of Malaysian authorities and media.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sadness over the case and asked Taiwan to ensure justice was served. In response, Taiwan’s Ministry of Education promised to enhance support services and safety protocols for international students, particularly women.
🧩 Legal & Societal Debate: Justice or Leniency?
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the 18-year sentence has reopened a societal debate on how Taiwan treats violent crimes against women, especially foreign women. Activists argue that the court’s emphasis on potential rehabilitation and the lack of aggravating cruelty in the killing may set a dangerous precedent, underestimating the severity of gendered violence and ignoring the power dynamics in abusive relationships.
Prominent legal scholar Professor Chou Mei-ying (周美英) stated in an interview with Insight Taiwan, “Justice must go beyond the letter of the law. In cases of femicide, it’s crucial to send a strong message that violence, especially rooted in control and entitlement, will be punished harshly.”
✅ FAQs
Who was the victim?
Chen I-chun, a 24-year-old Malaysian student at Tunghai University in Taichung.
What happened to her?
She was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Chen Po-yen in October 2022 after being lured to his home under false pretenses.
Why did the High Court reduce the sentence from 24 to 18 years?
Due to Chen Po-yen’s remorse, confession, lack of prior criminal record, and the court’s belief the motive was financial rather than sadistic.
What is the controversy about the ruling?
Critics argue the ruling undervalued the seriousness of femicide and may suggest leniency in cases involving foreign victims or domestic violence.
What has the Taiwanese government done in response?
Officials pledged to improve international student safety protocols and support services, particularly for women.
