Statement on Letter of Demand from TSMP Law Corporation, acting for Calvin Cheng
TSMP Law Corporation, acting for Calvin Cheng, issued a Letter of Demand to TOC. We firmly reject the claims and stand by our reporting, which reflected public responses to Mr Cheng’s comments.
On 7 April 2025, TSMP Law Corporation, acting for former Nominated Member of Parliament Mr Calvin Cheng, issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to The Online Citizen’s parent company, Miao Yi Infotech Ltd.
The letter alleges that our reporting on Mr Cheng’s 13 March 2025 Facebook post — which suggested sending certain activists to Gaza and telling them “never come back” — constitutes defamation.
We issued a formal response on the same day, firmly rejecting all claims of wrongdoing or legal liability.
Our reply defends TOC’s editorial position and provides the broader context — including reactions from government ministers, religious leaders, and civil society groups — that informed our reporting.
TOC’s coverage was based on verifiable facts, public statements, and reactions from respected figures. At no point did we fabricate, distort, or misrepresent information. We remain committed to responsible, balanced journalism that serves the public interest — even when it challenges those in positions of influence.
We also reject any attempt to intimidate or silence independent media through legal threats. Our operations are based in Taiwan, and we have made it clear that any legal proceedings must be properly conducted under Taiwanese jurisdiction.
We will continue to report on matters of public significance without fear or favour.
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Read the full Letter of Demand and our response:
