Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Ma not fit to lecture on human rights

Taipei Times Editorial

“A head of state being heckled is not a big deal in a democratic society; there is no need to regard it as losing face.”

These were the words of then-Taipei mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) in October 2006, spoken at the time of a campaign by red-clad protesters to oust then-president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) of the Democratic Progressive Party.

Human rights protesters heckle Ma Ying-jeou over treatment of Chen Shui-bian

Michael Richardson

Angry supporters of imprisoned Chen Shui-bian had a few words for Republic of China in-exile President Ma Ying-jeou at a Human Rights Day ceremony in Taipei on Dec.10. Chen, who was Ma’s predecessor in office, was jailed in 2008 for alleged corruption and has been kept in harsh prison conditions.

The protest erupted at the National Human Rights Museum where Ma was recognizing victims of the White Terror period during Taiwan’s long martial law era. About two dozen protestors shouted Ma off the stage declaring he was not fit to present human rights awards. One man was tackled by police as he threw his shoe, hat, and tote bag at Ma.

Human Rights Day in Taipei 2012

Michael Richardson

Human rights activists confronted Republic of China in-exile President Ma Ying-jeou on Human Rights Day for his treatment of former President Chen Shui-bian.

Ma meets protests at human rights event

Taipei Times

Security personnel block objects thrown by protesters while President Ma Ying-jeou, fourth from right, gives a speech to mark Human Rights Day at the Jingmei Human Rights Memorial and Cultural Park in New Taipei City’s Sindian District yesterday.
Photo: Liao Chen-hui, Taipei Times

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Minister of Culture Lung Ying-tai (龍應台) joined victims of the White Terror era on Human Rights Day yesterday to take part in events at the Jingmei Human Rights Memorial and Cultural Park in New Taipei City’s (新北市) Sindian District (新店).

About 170 victims of the White Terror era from across the country gathered to mark the day, observed every year around the world, with Aboriginal music and dancing performed by family members of the victims.

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