In response to the condemnation by a European Union official of the executions of four convicts April 30, Premier Wu Den-yih stressed May 2 that while the government appreciates the EU’s opinion, the Ministry of Justice must act in compliance with the law.
Catherine Ashton, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, as well as deputy chairwoman of the European Parliament Taiwan Friendship Group, May 1 publicly decried the resumption of executions, and renewed the call for the abolition of the death penalty. She expressed deep regret that the executions are a blow to support for Taiwan within the EU.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Chin-tien Yang said May 2 that the European Union has been briefed on Taiwan’s stance on ending the death penalty and abiding by the rule of law. He hopes that with the government’s full explanation the EU will not link the executions to the issue of visa-free entry for ROC citizens.
Yang said although the government is moving towards the abolition of the death penalty, there is still a long way to go before a public consensus can be reached. This situation has been explained to the EU, and Taiwan will continue to work towards the goal of ending capital punishment. In addition to reports sent May 1, the MOFA had already sent explanatory documents to its relevant overseas offices, but there has been no response from the EU as yet.
Wu pointed out that in surveys over the years more than 70 percent, and sometimes over 80 percent, of respondents had expressed opposition to abolishing the death penalty. The MOJ carried out the executions in accordance with law, in line with the expectations of the majority of the populace and legal requirements.
The Presidential Office said Taiwan is governed by the rule of law, and the government cannot overrule the law nor override the wishes of the people. Respect for legal procedures is one of the nation’s basic principles.
Wu Chen-huan, deputy minister of justice, said it is the MOJ’s unwavering principle to proceed in compliance with the law. While the abolition of capital punishment is the ministry’s ultimate goal, according to existing law when the appeals process has been exhausted for convicts sentenced to death, the executions must be carried out, he added. (THN)