By Kevin M. Mathewson
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Tens of thousands of people have rallied in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, to protest against the treatment of Hung Chung-chiu, a 24 year old army conscript.

Protesters say they are not convinced the investigation is sincere.

Hung had been held in solitary confinement for bringing a mobile phone with a built in camera onto his military base. He was subjected to strenuous punishment, including exercising in the hot sun, resulting in organ failure brought on by heatstroke.

Hung’s family said he was refused water during his punishment and had previously filed complaints of abuse against his superiors.

Eighteen army officers, including a major-general have been charged in connection with the case. The country’s defense minister has also resigned. The 18 officers were indicted on charges ranging from abuse leading to death and involuntary manslaughter to imposing illegal punishment on a subordinate and offences against personal liberty.

Hung’s death has spawned outrage across Taiwan and further damaged the reputation of an already fragile army.  Taiwan’s army is currently struggling to find volunteers as it tries to phase out conscription. All Taiwanese men aged between 18 and 36 are required to complete one year’s military service.

Protesters, many dressed in white to symbolize truth, covered the streets of Taipei saying they believed the investigation into Hung’s death was corrupt.

“I am mourning for Hung Chung-chiu and I want the truth. I hope there won’t be any more abuse and death like his in the military.” protester Jenny Tan said.

“The Cabinet has requested the Defense Ministry and the Justice Ministry to spare no effort to investigate the case and review the current system to prevent any unhumanitarian (sic) actions and abuse of power.” premier Jiang Yi-Huah said.

President Ma Ying-Jeou has publicly apologized for Hung’s death and promised justice for his family.

“As the president and the leader of the country’s three armed forces, I hereby guarantee that Hung Chung-chiu will not have died in vain and such tragedy will not happen again.” President Ying-Jeou told Hung’s father Hung Chi-tuan.

However, a day after protests, President Ying-Jeou was mobbed by hundreds of mourners as he attended Hung’s funeral protected by security guards.

For further information, please see:

BBC News – Taiwan protest over Hung Chung-chiu death – 3 August 2013

The Japan Times – Thousands in Taiwan protest conscript’s death – 3 August 2013

FOXNews.com – Mass protest in Taiwan over young conscript’s death – 3 August 2013

Yahoo! News – Taiwan president mobbed by mourners at conscript’s funeral – 4 August 2013

Author: Impunity Watch Archive