"Democracy and Freedom Are Easy to Lose... We Cannot Return to the Past"
The President of Taiwan made a statement emphasizing that the wrong history caused by martial law must not be forgotten. This remark drew attention as it came amid ongoing controversy locally, following the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan posting a message seemingly defending South Korea's emergency martial law.
According to local Taiwanese media on the 8th, President Lai Ching-te expressed this position at the 'World Human Rights Day' commemorative event held the previous day in New Taipei City in northern Taiwan.
President Lai paid tribute to those who sacrificed for Taiwan's democracy, freedom, and human rights, stating, "Historical wrongs can be forgiven, but wrong history must never be forgotten." He elaborated that Taiwan suffered great wounds in its economy, rule of law, and human rights during 38 years of martial law rule, and that society today is still affected.
He continued, "The government will humbly address the unjust history of the past and strive to help the public understand the nature of authoritarian rule," emphasizing that through this, Taiwanese people will unite and work to ensure they never again suffer invasion and persecution under authoritarianism.
President Lai said, "Democracy and freedom are not easily gained and can be easily lost," calling for unity and cooperation to jointly protect democracy, freedom, and human rights. He asserted that Taiwan, as a democratic country, will never retreat but continue to advance, stating, "We will forever support the constitutional system of democracy and freedom, and we can never go back (to the past)."
Earlier, DPP legislators posted a thread on social networking services (SNS) that appeared to defend South Korea's emergency martial law, but deleted it after controversy arose. The post reportedly included content stating, "In a situation where the South Korean National Assembly is controlled by pro-North forces, President Yoon Suk-yeol declared emergency martial law through an urgent address on the 3rd to eradicate pro-North forces and protect the free constitutional order." In response, Taiwan's opposition parties are demanding that DPP Chairperson President Lai apologize to the world.
The DPP, founded in September 1986, abolished Article 100 of the Criminal Code?which prohibited party formation, newspaper establishment, and acts inciting independence from mainland China?and ended the 38-year-long martial law.
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