Joint Statement on Condemnation to the anti-democratic speech of former premier Hau Pei-Tsun (see Chinese version)
The former premier of Taiwan, Mr. Hau Pei-Tsun (郝柏村), made a public speech to memorize Chiang Kai-Shek (蔣介石), dictator of Taiwan from 1949 – 1975, at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hal in 30th October 2011. He said, “Martial Law era had been necessary because there were communist spies everywhere in Taiwan, so we had to take harsh measures at that time Although there were few cases of injustice, it was not resulted from the martial law”, Mr. Hau added. Without harsh measures, Taiwan would not be able to enjoy freedom and democracy today.
Taiwan has been ruled under martial law from 1949-1987, over 38 years, the longest one in the world. Taiwanese people then did not have the basic human right. There were no freedom of express and press, no rights to assembly and association. Without due process, numerous people were detained, forced disappeared or even sentenced to death by groundless accusation. According to “The Foundation for Compensation Improper Verdicts on Sedition and Communist Espionage Cases during the Martial Law Period”, there were 7159 mistaken cases, including 789 death penalties. In fact, the number only refers to the compensation application and is highly underestimated. The white terror in Taiwan caused tragedies to various individuals and families. Furthermore, the climate of horror has shaped a society that people are numb, and lost interest in public affairs.
Taiwan does not undergo the process of transitional justice, and the government never investigates the violations of the white terror and no perpetrators were punished. The government only uses people’s tax to compensate those who were mistakenly killed or detained by the regime. Many people have no reflection of human right violation in the authoritarian era and continue to distort the history since we have never face sincerely.
Praising of the Martial Law period is as inhuman as praising the criminal acts of Nazi Germany. Today, the perpetrators are still privileged and take this advantage to make a biased discourse.
We condemn such regressive remarks which are hazardous to democracy and call for more attention of transitional justice immediately. Mr. Hau and KMT (Kuomingtang) have to apologize for the repeatedly ridiculous speeches to all of the people in Taiwan, especially to the white-terror victims and their families.
Endorsed by
Taiwan Association for Human Rights,
Taiwan Association for Truth and Reconciliation,
Dr. Chen Wen-chen Memorial Foundation,
Deng Liberty Foundation,
Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty,
Humanistic Education Foundation,
Taiwan Labor Front,
Amnesty International Taiwan,
Association for Redressing 50’ White Terror Cases,
Taipei Elder Political Victims Care Association
