Mirror Media Ordered to Pay $3,100 After Losing Defamation Lawsuit Filed by Legislator Huang Kuo-chang; Plans Appeal

Taiwan's Mirror Media and its editor have been ordered to pay NT$100,000 (approximately $3,100 USD) in damages after losing a defamation lawsuit initiated by legislator Huang Kuo-chang. Huang had sued the publication over a 2021 report that alleged he made multiple visits to Hong Kong, suggesting potential financial links to "cross-border hostile forces" and violations of the anti-infiltration law. Huang Kuo-chang, chairman of the Taiwan People's Party, criticized the ruling, stating that the court only ordered a modest payout and demanding an apology from Democratic Progressive Party legislator Shen Po-yang. Huang accused Shen of colluding with the media to spread rumors about his Hong Kong visits, calling it "cognitive warfare" and a "tragedy for Taiwan" if Shen were to become Taipei mayor. Mirror Media expressed regret over the verdict and announced its intention to appeal the decision. The publication maintained that the central issue of its report was not Huang's travel to Hong Kong but rather allegations that he employed paparazzi for illegal surveillance and followed political opponents. The media outlet argued that these matters, concerning potential political maneuvering and the use of resources, are of significant public interest and warrant public scrutiny. In its statement, Mirror Media asserted that Huang's attempts to narrow the focus to his travel history distract from the core allegations regarding the operation of a paparazzi group, surveillance, and related public interest concerns. The publication intends to continue defending freedom of the press and the public's right to know during the appeal process.