ROC President Ma Ying-jeou urged Beijing to free Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo during a human rights event in Taipei Dec. 10.
“As a nation that cherishes and respects human rights, we call on mainland China to set Liu free as soon as possible,” Ma said. “Our concern over this issue is not affected by nationality or territorial boundaries.”
Ma also welcomed the Nobel Committee’s decision to recognize the jailed mainland Chinese dissident, adding that his administration is committed to promoting and protecting human rights and basic freedoms in Taiwan.
“This position is underscored by last year’s ratification of the U.N. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,” he said.
The president made his remarks at the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony hosted by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. The event was staged to coincide with International Human Rights Day.
Ma presented this year’s award to Triveni Balkrishna Acharya, president of Mumbai-based nongovernmental organization Rescue Foundation, for her group’s efforts in assisting the victims of human trafficking. (JSM)
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw