While problems remain, the scope of the great 2007 victory and the dedication of those who obtained it should be publicly and solemnly celebrated.
by Willy Fautré*
*Introduction to the second session of the webinar “The Tai Ji Men Case: Tragedy and Triumph,” co-organized by CESNUR and Human Rights Without Frontiers for the 18th anniversary of Taiwan’s 2007 Supreme Court decision in favor of Tai Ji Men, July 13, 2025.
The 13th of July is the eve of Bastille Day in France, a day that commemorates the French Revolution and the fight against social injustice in France. In Taiwan, however, this date marks a Day of Victory, commemorating the Supreme Court’s confirmation of the innocence of Tai Ji Men, its Shifu (Grand Master) Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, and his co-defendants in the fabricated fraud and tax evasion case that began in 1996.
On the 13th of July 2007, the once-impregnable fortress of rogue prosecutors and the National Tax Administration was finally defeated. This milestone was the result of a long struggle, a relentless effort to breach the walls of a system that had consistently overcome those who challenged it—a symbol of oppression—until the historic victory of Tai Ji Men.
The work of the lawyers and the disciples (dizi) from 1996 to 2007 deserves celebration for their unwavering faith in justice, patience, and resilience. The famous proverb “Where there is a will, there is a way” perfectly embodies the spirit of Tai Ji Men, Dr. Hong, and the souls of the dizi. Their spiritual legacy must be honored and preserved as a memorial, serving as an eternal flame carried into future generations of dizi.
This Day of Victory should not only be celebrated by the Tai Ji Men family; it should also be shared annually with all Taiwanese citizens as a day of joy and happiness. Each year, it must be publicly recognized as a celebration of how David triumphed over Goliath. The innocence of Tai Ji Men and its Shifu, who represent the conscience of all past, present, and future dizi, must be visibly acknowledged by Taiwanese society. It should be both a popular festival and a public peace parade—a moment of communion and faith in the power of hope for all Taiwanese seeking justice in their lives.
The victory of Tai Ji Men against injustice is the result of the dedication of men and women, young and old, who for over a decade chose to confront wrongdoing, making significant sacrifices along the way. This victory over oppressive forces was a gift from Tai Ji Men to the entire Taiwanese society. It illustrates the strength of the values that inform and inspire the dizi, showcasing their mental fortitude and moral courage.
The late Shimu, Dr. Hong’s deceased wife, would surely be proud of the faith, energy, and commitment shown by their spiritual children from wherever she may be. Today’s dizi represent the future of Tai Ji Men and a thriving Taiwanese society.
Through the commemoration of this Day of Victory, their message of peace and love also reaches the international community, shared online for the world to see. Dr. Hong’s message transcends time and space.
Long live Tai Ji Men and Dr. Hong!
Willy Fautré, former chargé de mission at the Cabinet of the Belgian Ministry of Education and at the Belgian Parliament. He is the director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, an NGO based in Brussels that he founded in 1988. His organization defends human rights in general but also the rights of persons belonging to historical religions, non-traditional and new religious movements. It is apolitical and independent from any religion.
He has carried out fact-finding missions on human rights and religious freedom in more than 25 countries He is a lecturer in universities in the field of religious freedom and human rights. He has published many articles in university journals about relations between state and religions. He organizes conferences at the European Parliament, including on freedom of religion or belief in China. For years, he has developed religious freedom advocacy in European institutions, at the OSCE and at the UN.
