Whereas Taiwan's democratic development is of tremendous significance globally and to the Asian region.

Whereas, over the past two decades, the people of Taiwan have worked hard to establish a vibrant and pluralistic democracy in their country and conducted five successful presidential elections, successive elections for members of their national legislature, numerous local elections, and two national referendums.

Whereas, since the administration of the Kuomintang Nationalists came to office in 2008, a large number of investigations and prosecutions have been brought against officials from the previous administration, led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), including former president Chen Shui-bian.

Whereas most of these prosecutions were politically motivated, while based on weak grounds, in an apparent pattern of political score-settling.

Whereas President Chen, who currently serves a long prison sentence, does not enjoy conditions of imprisonment that meet international standards and has been treated more harshly than regular prisoners.

Whereas President Chen's health has deteriorated markedly in the past year, largely due to his prison conditions.

Whereas President Chen has not been able to receive medical treatment in accordance with his wishes, such as selecting either doctors or hospitals, and has not been able to have complete access to his medical records.

Whereas Article 22(2) of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners states that "Sick prisoners who require specialist treatment shall be transferred to specialized institutions or to civil hospitals" .

Therefore be it resolved that we call upon the government of Taiwan to:

1. Effectively address the serious concerns about the misuse of prosecutions for political purposes and ensure the complete independence of the judiciary.

2. And to grant President Chen medical parole to ensure that he receives the highest level of medical attention, effective immediately.

Submitted by : John C. Hsieh , FAPA Dallas Chapter

Date: March 4, 2014

 

【More】

DPP urges president to grant Chen Shui-bian medical parole - Taipei Times Jan. 31, 2013

DPP Party Central Supports Calls for Medical Parole of Chen Shui-bian - KMT official website (Jun 28, 2012)