3150 Edition
July 9-15, 2012
Headline News

Reported by Simon Lin

Written by Lydia Ma

Thought it has been 25 years since the end of martial law in Taiwan, some people still wonder whether Taiwan is truly a democratic country and whether its citizens truly enjoy free speech. These misgivings are not unfounded based on a few recent events. For example, when World United Formosans for Independence (WUFI) Vice-Chairman Wu Ting-ho was seen strolling silently near the Presidential Palace wearing an anti-Ma Ying-jeou t-shirt, he was promptly charged by police officers for infringing on the Parade and Assembly Law. In another incident, members from an art association that used flash mob as a means to protest against nuclear energy policies were interrogated at the police station. These are but a few instances indicating that remains of martial law still exist on the streets of Taiwan.

Taiwan Association for Human Rights (TAHR) held a lecture on July 6, 2012. It was one of the many events the organization had planned to mark the 25th anniversary of the end of martial law in Taiwan. During this event, the General Secretary of TAHR, Tsai Chi-hsun, said that in 1988, one year after the end of martial law, the KMT decided to rein in people’s freedoms by enacting the Parade and Assembly Law. This law subsequently resulted in the banning of many peaceful protests over the years. At some protests, some people were removed by force, arrested, and convicted. Though the DPP came to power in 2000 and though there were calls to reform this law, not much has changed and this law remains a tool to restrict people’s freedom and a tool against political adversaries.

Tsai said that the right of assembly and protest is very important in a democratic country because it is a platform for marginalized groups to have their voices heard and it is through these gatherings that social movements are born. When marginalized people such as migrant workers, new immigrants, or seniors find that their rights have been taken from them, and then discover that the media will not help them in their plight, taking to the streets is the last resort for their voices to be heard by the government.

According to Taiwan’s constitution and international standards, as long as protests are not violent and do not advocate racism, governments have the duty to ensure that protesters are protected. However, Taiwan’s antiquated Parade and Assembly Law seeks to clamp down people’s rights to assembly. To this day, police officers have the right to dissolve a protest or warn protesters that they are acting illegally if the event was has not been registered with government authorities. In such cases, protest organizers can be sentenced to up to 2 years in prison. For this reason, Taiwan cannot be considered a country with extensive human rights at the moment.

PCT Church and Society Committee Secretary Huang Che-yen said that the abolition of martial law is an important milestone in the history of Taiwanese democracy. He added that it was attained only by the sacrifice and effort of many people. Speaking as a church official, Huang said that the Parade and Assembly Law should be relaxed so that only an advance notice is required. He added that the PCT would continue to advocate for an amendment of this law.

In related news, the 1828 edition of Taiwan Church News was confiscated during martial law by the KMT government at the time because it published many stories and facts related to the February 28 Massacre. Taiwan Church Press created a mini-replica of a section of this edition in memory of this event and to encourage Taiwanese to promote human rights in Taiwan.