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October 31, 2008
FAPA's Statement regarding the recent
spate of politically- inspired
prosecutions in Taiwan
Washington DC. As an American
organization that has fought hard for
the past 26 years for the promotion of
freedom, human rights and democracy for
the people of Taiwan, the Formosan
Association for Public Affairs (FAPA)
expresses its deep concern about the
erosion of Taiwan's democracy during the
past half year. In particular, we are
disturbed about the recent spate of
politically- inspired detentions of
present and former DPP government
officials in Taiwan (See listing below).
We also question the fairness of the
procedures: while one or two of the
accused have been formally charged, the
majority is being held incommunicado
without being charged. This is a severe
contravention of the writ of habeas
corpus and a basic violation of due
process, justice and the rule of law.
In the meantime, the prosecutor's
offices leak detrimental information to
the press. This kind of "trial by
press" is unacceptable.
We do firmly believe that any alleged
wrongdoings must be dealt with in a fair
and open manner. Justice through the
rule of law is essential to Taiwan's
efforts to consolidate democracy and
protect fundamental human rights. But,
as the judicial authorities work through
this investigation, it is essential that
they adhere to the dictum that everyone
is innocent until proven guilty in a
court of law.
We urge the American government and
Congress to express their deep concern
about this deterioration of human rights
and democracy in Taiwan. The present
cases endanger the progress which has
been made during the 21 years since the
end of the Kuomintang's martial law in
1987. As members of the Taiwanese
American community we believe that a
return to the KMT's White Terror days of
1945-1987 should be avoided at all cost.
Prof. Bob Yang
President, Formosan Association for
Public Affairs
ATTACHMENT:
Specific cases of concern:
- The arrest and detention on October
15th of former Interior minister Yu
Cheng-hsien;
- The arrest and detention on October
28th of former Hsinchu Science Park
Director and Deputy Minister of
Environmental Protection Dr. James Lee;
- The arrest and detention on October
29th of DPP Chiayi County Commissioner
Chen Ming-wen;
- The indictment on October 30th of DPP
Tainan City Councilor Wang Ting-yu;
- The arrest and detention on October
31st of former National Security Council
(NSC) secretary-general and Deputy Prime
Minister Chiou I-jen;
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