Final twist in Taiwan

Less than a month after the dramatic resignation of former Justice Minister Wang Ching-feng over her public refusal to sign executive orders to execute death-row prisoners, the new minister Tseng Yung-fu has reassured the international community by insisting that it is the aim of the Taiwanese government to gradually abolish the death penalty.

Since his appointment Tseng has created a special review committee that will ascertain the case status of each of the 44 prisoner’s currently on death row. Thereafter it is his intention to organize public seminars to reveal public opinion on the matter after it was revealed that many Taiwanese believe that the continuing presence of the death penalty is the main reason why they are unable to have visas waivered when entering the EU.

But in a less-than-subtle caveat Tseng stated that it was still the stance of the ministry to adhere to the present law and could execute prisoners already convicted. The public sparring continues....

Less than a month after the dramatic resignation of former Justice Minister Wang Ching-feng over her public refusal to sign executive orders to execute death-row prisoners, the new minister Tseng Yung-fu has reassured the international community by insisting that it is the aim of the Taiwanese government to gradually abolish the death penalty.