Suspect in Son's Murder Sends Threatening Letter to Victim's Family, Family Accuses Detention Center of Lack of Control

(Central News Agency Reporter Wang Chaoyu Keelung, July 1) Suspect Jian, who is accused of murdering his son, sent a letter from the detention center to the victim's family threatening to exterminate their entire family. The victim's family today accused the Keelung Detention Center of allowing the threatening letter to be sent out. The Keelung Detention Center stated that it has notified the Taipei Detention Center, where Jian is currently held, and has initiated strict control measures.

Jian allegedly smothered his 5-year-old son to death with a pillow while he was asleep in their residence. After trial, the National Court of the Keelung District Court ruled on April 17 that Jian's methods were cruel and his potential for rehabilitation was concerning. He was convicted of intentional homicide of a child and sentenced to life imprisonment, with deprivation of civil rights for life.

The victim's family stated in an interview that they received a threatening letter from Jian from the Keelung Detention Center on June 1, which mentioned "exterminating my entire family." They questioned why the Keelung Detention Center allowed such a letter to be sent, causing harm to the victim's family.

The victim's family expressed fear, noting that Jian knew their home address. They questioned who would believe Jian would reform if released on parole, given that he has already sent a threatening letter to the victim's family, disregarding the law, even before his sentence has begun.

The Keelung Detention Center pointed out that its letter inspection procedures are carried out in accordance with the "Detention Act," primarily to check for contraband. Unless the detainee meets statutory grounds, such as engaging in acts that disrupt order or endanger safety, the content of the letters cannot be read.

The Keelung Detention Center stated that while the law protects the freedom of communication for detainees, it does not permit them to arbitrarily harm the public. In addition to strongly condemning Jian's illegal actions, the center has immediately reported Jian's information to the Taipei Detention Center. In accordance with the law, individual risk management measures and strict control over letter dispatch have been initiated for Jian, strictly prohibiting him from using communication channels to infringe upon the rights of the public.

Lu Ming-hsuan, a senior partner at Heng Sheng Law Offices, stated that the letter's content, which threatens harm to life and body, may constitute the crime of intimidation under the Penal Code, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, detention, or a fine of not more than NT$9,000.

Lu Ming-hsuan added that according to the "Detention Act," detention center personnel may read a detainee's letters under specific legal circumstances. If a letter is found to be non-compliant, it should be returned to the detainee or require modification before being sent. Whether the detention center in this case was negligent requires further examination based on the specific circumstances. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150701

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