A Taiwanese court cleared a man who posted online threats to kill President Lai Ching-te and his family, a ruling that has fueled public anger and doubts about the courts.

• A man in Changhua wrote on Threads that he wanted to "rise up and kill Lai Ching-te's whole family" and called him a "trash president."
• The judge found him not guilty because the threats were never delivered directly to Lai and no proof was shown that anyone actually felt afraid.
• Online reaction was harsh, with many asking why it was the Changhua court again and calling the county "a paradise for criminals."
• The same court has drawn fire this year for light sentences and for releasing drug-driving suspects, including in cases that killed people, forcing prosecutors to appeal to get them locked up.

Outlook: Prosecutors plan to appeal the acquittal, so the case is likely to be reheard at a higher court.