In October 2020, two Malaysian parents received devastating news. Their daughter, who was studying in Taiwan, had been murdered. Police managed to find and arrest the murderer, but there was no bringing their daughter back.
Things got worse when they discovered not only had the perpetrator murdered her, he had also raped her. They were hurt, furious and grieving. They demanded justice. Almost a year and a half later, her parents got their wish. The perpetrator was given the death sentence at 10am today (18th March).
Irene Chung (锺筱玲) was a 24-year-old Malaysian who had gone to Taiwan to study. However, she never made it to her graduation. On 28th October 2020, she was raped then strangled to death by a man surnamed Liang (梁育志). Police managed to apprehend him and he later admitted to both allegations. However, he claimed he had not meant to kill her.
The horrific news sent her parents seeking justice. Both against Irene’s murderer and the system that had failed her. Apparently, this was not the first time Liang was suspected of such a case, although his attempt had been unsuccessful then. However, authorities failed to look into the incident and Irene’s parents blamed their daughter’s death on their negligence. They ended up suing said authorities. Additionally, they stated they wanted the death penalty for Liang. If such a sentence was not handed down, Irene’s parents would demand Liang’s extradition to Malaysia.
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Irene’s parents weren’t the only ones affected by the case. Liang’s parents too felt responsible for their son’s actions and wanted to meet them in person to apologise. Irene’s parents refused. Liang’s parents later issued a formal statement, apologising for their son and said they wanted their son to pay for his crimes with “a life for a life”. Liang had supposedly told his parents he would accept the death sentence as he was afraid of being extradited to Malaysia.
The District Court of Qiaotou sentenced Liang to death this morning at 10am. They gave the sentence on the basis that Liang had premeditated the crime, and showed no remorse after being arrested.
We hope Irene’s family finds peace with this sentence. It cannot have been easy, waiting to hear the verdict. As for Irene, may she rest in peace.
Sources: China Press (1)(2), Sin Chew Daily, Taiwan News
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