Victims of a newspaper trial

This year's clearance of wrongdoing for two men from an ombudsman investigation shows a need for remorse from media that played prosecutor, writes 'The China Post'

The China Post
Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A newspaper trial took place in the summer of last year. Chang Chun-yen, nominated for president of the Examination Yuan, was put on trial by local media in July when lawmakers started questioning his probity. His nomination by President Ma Ying-jeou had to be confirmed by the Legislative Yuan, and lawmakers of the KMT and the opposition DPP alike suspected Chang had accepted unlawful cash donations while he was president of Chiaotung University at Hsinchu. Newspapers identified Wayne Pai, founder of the Polaris group, as the donor, and the trial began.

Both were convicted, of course. Chang's nomination had to be withdrawn and Pai committed suicide at Penghu. The case was closed and local media celebrated their trial victory.

Then, an ombudsman re-opened the case.

Huang Huang-hsiung, member of the Control Yuan, began to look into the failed nomination. After months of investigation, Huang found Chang and Pai innocent and absolved them.

The media that had tried and convicted both of them conceded defeat, reporting justice was done, albeit belatedly. No apology has been offered to the two victims of the newspaper trial. The muck-raking press feels no compunction.

Yes, justice came too late to Chang and Pai. It will take Chang some time to eradicate completely the stigma the irresponsible press has affixed to his integrity.

It will take much longer to go through the traumas of the all but irredeemable stigma, but he will get over them in the end. For Pai there is no recourse.

He is dead! He chose death to protest against the injustice of the press trial. His bereaved family will forever endure the shamefully cursed cross.

We wish to extend our wholehearted sympathy to the bereaved family and Dr. Chang. At the same time, we urge those media that played prosecutor and judge in their mock court to offer a belated, profound apology to their trial victims. They should also promise not to play god again.

To err is human, but the press has to have the courage of admitting to their mistakes and apologizing for the mistakes.

Freedom of the press guaranteed in the Constitution isn't a license for defaming people on suspicion.

Date Posted: 6/16/2009