Media Brief
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Media Brief (PDF) — Ross Cline
This page contains (1) a ready-to-send letter to journalists, (2) a media brief, and (3) a brief for board/institution review. Full supporting documents are available via the documentation link.
- What this is: A concise package for independent review (not advocacy).
- What you’ll find: Summary briefs + links to court PDFs and a full timeline.
- How to use it: Expand the sections below, then use the PDF and documentation links as needed.
LETTER TO JOURNALISTS Click to expand
Dear [Journalist’s Name / Editor],
I’m a Canadian citizen from New Brunswick. I lived in Taiwan for over 15 years and ran an education business there. I’m reaching out because my case may be of public interest as a story about a Canadian abroad, proportionality in a foreign justice system, and the limits of Canada’s response when citizens allege rights violations overseas.
The matter began as a civil rental dispute involving safety issues (a door that did not lock, contrary to the lease). In 2020, during escalating conflict, I posted portions of my lease online for several days to seek advice. That resulted in criminal charges related to alleged personal data disclosure.
Despite defense witnesses and a civil finding that supported my position on the underlying rental issues, I was convicted and received a six-month prison sentence (suspended, but with a credible risk of enforcement if I returned). Based on legal advice, I left Taiwan abruptly to avoid imprisonment—losing my home, business, and community.
My concern is not simply the outcome, but whether the punishment and process were disproportionate and inconsistent with protections Taiwan has publicly committed to under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (e.g., fairness and proportionality), which Taiwan has incorporated domestically. Despite appeals and petitions in Taiwan and diplomatic outreach through Canadian channels, I have not received a substantive review of these concerns.
This raises a broader question: What meaningful recourse does a Canadian citizen have when alleging treaty-level rights concerns abroad—especially when local remedies are exhausted and domestic support remains limited?
I’m not asking for advocacy—only whether this warrants journalistic review. I can provide court records, a detailed timeline, and relevant official statements received in 2025, along with supporting documentation. I’m willing to speak on the record.
Media brief: http://rosscline.com/mediabrief
Full documentation & timeline: http://rosscline.com/scam
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ross Cline 柯受恩
rosscline.com
New Brunswick, Canada
+1 (506) 321-8659
iLearn.tw (formerly Taichung, Taiwan)
MEDIA BRIEF Click to expand
MEDIA BRIEF — FOR JOURNALISTS
Summary
After 15 years of lawful residence and operating an education business in Taiwan, Canadian citizen Ross Cline was sentenced to six months' imprisonment following a rental dispute and subsequently left the country on legal advice.
The case stemmed from a 2020 civil dispute over contractually required safety features (a non-locking door). Amid escalation, Cline briefly shared the lease document online for advice, leading to criminal charges under Taiwan's Personal Data Protection Act. Despite no proven harm, malicious intent, or victim complaints—and court acknowledgment of his civil claims—the sentence was upheld.
Subsequent official correspondence from Taiwanese authorities (e.g., a 2025 prosecutor's statement) appears inconsistent with the judgment's basis, raising questions regarding proportionality, procedural fairness, and the application of protections under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Taiwan has formally incorporated into domestic law.
Public Interest Issues
The case raises broader questions relevant beyond one individual:
- Proportionality of criminal punishment for non-malicious acts
- Due process protections for foreign residents
- Access to effective legal remedies
- Application of ICCPR protections (e.g., fair trial and proportionality principles) within Taiwan’s system
- Available recourse for Canadians alleging rights violations abroad
Global Affairs Canada has declined to assess the matter at a treaty or human-rights level, classifying it solely as a foreign legal issue.
Why This Matters
Taiwan positions itself internationally as a democratic rule-of-law jurisdiction and human-rights leader, especially amid global scrutiny of its governance. A documented case involving alleged inconsistencies between judicial findings and later official statements may be relevant to:
- International human rights commitments, including ICCPR implementation reports
- Treatment of foreign residents and investors, potentially impacting economic ties
- Consular and treaty oversight for Canadians abroad, highlighting gaps in support
Human Impact
- Forced departure after 15 years of residence
- Loss of business and livelihood (education center serving hundreds of students annually)
- Separation from long-term partner and community
- Ongoing inability to return without a 5 year criminal record and 6 month imprisonment risk
Documentation Available
Full record for independent review:
- Court rulings
- Official correspondence
- Hearing records
- Chronological case timeline
Materials: https://rosscline.com/scam
Additional documents available upon request.
Contact
Ross Cline
New Brunswick, Canada
+1 (506) 321-8659
ross@rosscline.com
rosscline.com
BRIEF FOR BOARD REVIEW Click to expand
Brief for Board Review
Subject: Legal Predictability and Proportionality Concern Affecting Long-Term Canadian Resident in Taiwan
Submitted by: Ross Cline (Canadian Citizen)
Date: February 20, 2026
Background
I am a Canadian citizen who lived, worked, and operated a business in Taiwan for over 15 years. During this period, I maintained lawful residence, complied with local regulations, and established long-term professional and community ties.
Issue
Following a prolonged legal process related to a rental dispute over safety features, judicial proceedings resulted in a criminal sentence that ultimately compelled my departure from Taiwan.
The matter originated in 2020 when a brief online sharing of a lease document (for advice-seeking) led to charges under the Personal Data Protection Act, despite no harm or malice found. Later official statements appear inconsistent with the judgment.
The matter raises concerns regarding:
- Proportionality of punishment
- Procedural fairness
- Consistency of official findings
- Availability of effective review mechanisms
This submission does not seek to challenge Taiwan’s legal sovereignty or relitigate a court decision. Rather, it presents a documented case that may raise broader questions regarding legal predictability for long-term foreign residents and business operators.
Documentation
A complete record of the case is publicly available and includes:
- Court rulings
- Official correspondence
- Hearing records and transcripts
- Supporting evidentiary materials
All materials are available for independent review:
https://rosscline.com/scam
Additional documentation can be provided upon request.
Broader Relevance
Legal predictability, proportionality, and procedural transparency are central considerations for foreign residents, entrepreneurs, and investors when choosing where to live or operate. Cases that raise credible concerns in these areas may affect confidence in the legal environment, even when arising from individual circumstances—potentially influencing Canada-Taiwan business relations and investment flows.
Requested Outcome
I respectfully seek:
- Guidance on whether the Chamber maintains processes for reviewing cases affecting foreign resident or business confidence
- Direction to appropriate institutional or legal review channels
- Acknowledgment of whether concerns of this nature may have broader relevance to the business and investment environment
- Opportunity for discussion if deemed appropriate
Purpose
My objective is constructive review, institutional clarity, and responsible resolution through appropriate channels.
Ross Cline
Canadian Citizen
Former Taiwan Resident (15+ years)
New Brunswick, Canada
+1 (506) 321-8659
ross@rosscline.com
