A Long-Term Resident’s Appeal for Fair Review and Resolution in Taiwan

I write with sincere respect and appreciation for Taiwan — a place where I lived for more than a decade, built my work, and formed lasting relationships. Taiwan was not simply a place of business for me; it was my home.

This account is shared in good faith. My intention is not criticism, but to seek understanding, fair review, and resolution regarding a legal dispute that ultimately forced me to leave Taiwan despite my deep wish to remain.

Several years ago, I became involved in a rental dispute in Taichung concerning what I believed were unresolved safety issues at a leased property, including the absence of a secure locking door and conditions affecting personal safety. My efforts to address these concerns ultimately developed into extended legal proceedings.

During a period of significant distress and concern for my safety, I briefly published the rental agreement online for documentation and advice. The document remained available for only two days, was removed promptly after objections were raised, and I issued an apology. I believed the matter had been resolved. However, this action later became central to continuing legal proceedings.

Throughout the process I attempted to provide contextual evidence, witness testimony, and documentation explaining the surrounding circumstances. Due to language barriers and limited financial resources, I experienced substantial difficulty obtaining consistent legal assistance and fully understanding complex procedures conducted primarily in Chinese.

The consequences were severe. After years of proceedings and increasing legal pressure, I ultimately left Taiwan to avoid imprisonment. This outcome was profoundly painful, as Taiwan was a place where I had invested my life, work, and future.

I share this experience with humility and respect for Taiwan’s democratic institutions and rule of law. Taiwan is widely recognized for its commitment to fairness, human rights, and justice. My hope is that careful review of this case may strengthen protections ensuring equal treatment, procedural clarity, and proportional outcomes for all residents, including foreign nationals.

My sincere wish is for fair resolution, closure, and the opportunity to return to Taiwan peacefully.

Full documentation and supporting records may be reviewed here: iLearn.tw/landlord.

I respectfully welcome independent review and remain available to clarify any details or provide documentation.

Sincerely,
Ross Cline 柯受恩

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Issues for Careful Public Review

The following concerns are presented for constructive discussion and independent consideration:

1. Procedural Fairness
   Whether language barriers and limited access to legal assistance affected my ability to participate fully and equally in proceedings.

2. Assessment of Context and Proportionality
   Whether the consequences imposed were proportionate to the conduct involved and the surrounding circumstances.

3. Access to Legal Support
   Whether foreign residents facing complex proceedings are able to obtain meaningful legal guidance and representation.

4. Confidence in Legal Process
   How transparency, consistency, and access to remedies support public trust in judicial institutions.

These questions are offered respectfully in the hope that open discussion may support fairness, understanding, and constructive resolution.

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Case Summary — Ross Cline (柯受恩)

A Canadian Citizen Requesting Independent Review of Judicial Process in Taiwan

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Executive Summary

I am Ross Cline (柯受恩), a Canadian citizen who lived and operated a language education business in Taiwan for over 15 years. A landlord dispute in Taichung escalated into prolonged criminal proceedings that resulted in severe penalties, major financial loss, and my departure from Taiwan under threat of imprisonment.

I am requesting independent review of the record due to concerns regarding procedural fairness, proportionality of punishment, language access, and effective legal remedy.

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Key Facts

• Canadian citizen and long-term Taiwan resident (2009–2024).
• Operated education business and invested substantial personal resources.
• Rental dispute involving property safety concerns.
• Rental agreement briefly published online and promptly removed.
• Apology issued and compliance demonstrated.
• Prolonged criminal proceedings followed.
• Financial penalties and six-month custodial sentence imposed.
• Legal Aid assistance denied multiple times.
• Proceedings conducted primarily in Chinese.
• Departed Taiwan to avoid imprisonment.
• Business, residence, and livelihood lost.

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Core Concerns for Review

1. Fair Trial / Equality of Arms
2. Proportionality of Punishment
3. Assessment of Evidence
4. Access to Legal Remedy
5. Treatment of Foreign Residents

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Why This Case Matters

This case raises broader concerns affecting foreign residents, international investment confidence, language access in legal proceedings, and transparency in the administration of justice.

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Evidence and Documentation

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Request

I respectfully request that journalists, legal scholars, public officials, and human rights organizations review the record and assess whether the proceedings reflect fairness, proportionality, and procedural equality.

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Contact

Ross Cline (柯受恩)
Email: ross@rosscline.com
Website: rosscline.com
New Brunswick, Canada

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This page is provided for public record, transparency, and independent review.