LayarHijau – The death of Chinese actor Yu Menglong continues to raise questions. Chinese authorities reportedly declared there was no criminal suspicion just 12 hours after the incident. However, analysis by renowned Taiwanese lawyer Yan Ruicheng suggests that this rapid conclusion only adds to the doubts. He emphasized that if a similar case occurred in Taiwan, both the media and judicial authorities would pay intense attention, and it would be impossible to close the investigation so quickly.
According to Yan, based on the information circulating, there are numerous potential legal violations that could be alleged, ranging from deprivation of freedom, coercion, and assault to destruction of evidence. “Under Taiwanese law, perpetrators could face multiple serious charges, including murder, threats, assault, enslavement, drug-related offenses, and actions that demean a deceased person’s dignity,” Yan explained, as reported by SETN.com.
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He also noted that the alleged existence of a USB containing sensitive data linked to the case raises further concerns. If there was pressure to hand over such data, it could not only be considered intimidation but also an attempt to destroy legal evidence. Yan stressed that hasty actions, such as cremating the body without a thorough autopsy, could significantly undermine the transparency of the investigation.
Regarding potential criminal penalties, Yan pointed out that Taiwanese law allows for cumulative sentences of substantial length. “If six people were involved, the total potential sentence could reach 500 years. If the number rises to 17, it could amount to as much as 1,500 years,” he said. While the maximum practical prison term in Taiwan is 30 years, these figures illustrate how seriously such a case would be treated under the law.
Yan concluded by emphasizing that even though Yu Menglong can no longer speak for himself, legal truth should not be buried with him. “If there was indeed deprivation of freedom, violence, and destruction of evidence, this is not just a personal tragedy. It is a test for justice and society: can we protect the vulnerable, or will we choose to look away?”
