Geomancer files libel suit

A lawyer acting on behalf of Chinese geomancer Li Jianjun (李建軍), author of the controversial book My Taiwan Trip and Lien Chan's Presidential Fortune (我的總統路和連戰的總統運), yesterday filed a suit against Chu Wan-ching (朱婉清), chief of the state-run Central Broadcasting System (中央廣播電台), accusing her of libel.

The law suit followed Chu's application for an injunction banning the book, in which Li claimed that as a close friend of Lien, Chu introduced him to the vice-president to work on Lien's fengshui, (風水) in a move to improve his career.

Chu responded to the publication of the book by accusing Li of slander, claiming the content of the book was fabrication and saying she had no ties with the Lien family.

The Taipei District Court later approved the ban on the book.

Lin Hsien-tung (林憲同), Li's attorney, yesterday struck back by accusing Chu of libel.

Lin also demanded Chu pay NT$100 million in compensation to Li and another NT$36,250,000 to the Yuehshihchieh Publishing company (閱世界出版公司), publisher of the book. Lin blamed the KMT for preventing Li from visiting Taiwan, which, he claims, infringes on Li's human rights.

Lin, who was expelled several years ago for illegally entering the country, lives in the US, while his wife and family live in Taiwan.

Lin said Li has evidence to prove that the content of the book is true. Chu declined to make any comment on Lin's accusations.

Huang Shu-lin (黃淑琳), Chu's attorney, however, told the local media that she believes Chu will win the suit.