Legal Injustice in Taiwan: My Struggle for Fairness and Dignity
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Case Record — Ross Cline (柯受恩)
A Long-Term Resident’s Request for Independent Review and Fair Resolution in Taiwan
Overview of Case Record
This page provides documentation and background regarding a landlord-related legal dispute in Taiwan that resulted in criminal proceedings, financial penalties, and significant personal and professional consequences.
All materials are presented for transparency and independent review. If you are reviewing this matter for legal, academic, or media purposes, the recommended order is:
- Executive Summary
- Key Facts
- Core Issues for Review
- Timeline
- Supporting Documentation
- Video Evidence
Executive Summary (30-Second Overview)
I am Ross Cline (柯受恩), a Canadian citizen who lived in Taiwan for over fifteen years, where I built my career, invested personal resources, and established a language education business.
A landlord dispute in Taichung escalated into prolonged legal proceedings that resulted in criminal charges, significant financial penalties, and a six-month custodial sentence. The situation ultimately forced me to leave Taiwan despite my long-established personal and professional ties to the country.
I respectfully request independent review of the record due to concerns regarding procedural fairness, proportionality of punishment, access to language assistance, and availability of effective legal remedy.
Full documentation is publicly available for verification.
Personal Background and Connection to Taiwan
Taiwan was not simply a place of work for me. It was my home for more than a decade. I lived, worked, and built lasting relationships within Taiwanese society while contributing through education and business development.
My sincere wish has always been to resolve this matter fairly and to return to Taiwan through lawful and stable means.
Key Facts
- Canadian citizen and long-term Taiwan resident (2009–2024).
- Operated an education business and invested substantial personal resources.
- Rental dispute involving property safety concerns.
- Rental agreement briefly published online during dispute.
- Document removed promptly and apology issued.
- 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.
- Loss of business operations, residence, and livelihood.
Core Issues for Review
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Procedural Fairness
Whether language barriers and limited access to legal representation affected my ability to participate fully in proceedings. -
Proportionality of Consequences
Whether the severity of penalties was proportionate to the conduct involved. -
Assessment of Context
Whether surrounding safety concerns and contextual evidence were fully considered. -
Access to Effective Legal Remedy
Whether meaningful mechanisms existed to correct procedural deficiencies. -
Treatment of Foreign Residents
Whether adequate procedural safeguards exist for non-Chinese-speaking defendants.
Timeline Overview
- 2009: Arrived in Taiwan; established education business.
- 2019–2020: Rental dispute involving safety concerns.
- 2020: Rental agreement briefly published and removed.
- 2020–2024: Prolonged legal proceedings.
- 2024: Six-month custodial sentence issued.
- 2024: Departed Taiwan to avoid imprisonment.
- 2025: Additional official correspondence raised further legal questions.
Why This Case Matters
This case raises broader concerns affecting:
- Foreign residents navigating legal systems.
- Language access in criminal proceedings.
- International business and investor confidence.
- Transparency and proportional justice.
- Human rights protections under international standards.
Transparent legal procedures and equal access to justice are essential to maintaining public trust and international confidence.
Evidence and Documentation
All claims are supported by publicly available materials.
Request for Review
I respectfully request that journalists, legal scholars, public officials, and human rights organizations review the record and assess whether the proceedings complied with principles of fairness, proportionality, and procedural equality.
My goal is a fair and constructive resolution based on full consideration of the circumstances.
Personal Impact and Hope for Resolution
The outcome of this case resulted in the loss of my home, business, and life in Taiwan. The personal impact has been profound, both professionally and personally.
I remain hopeful that through careful review and open dialogue, this matter may reach a fair resolution that allows closure and the possibility of returning to Taiwan through lawful means.
Contact
Ross Cline (柯受恩)
Email: ross@rosscline.com
Website: rosscline.com
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
This page is provided for documentation, transparency, and independent review.
