Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice hit back at international criticism surrounding its execution of five prisoners March 4, describing the decision as in line with ROC law and not infringing upon human rights.
“We are committed to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that prioritizes people’s right to live,” the MOJ said March 5. “But the covenant does not require a nation to abolish the death penalty, nor stop using the punishment until it is struck off the statute books.”
The ministry said prisoners were executed following exhaustive reviews of their cases.
According to the MOJ, Taiwan has been working to reduce the incidence of capital punishment. This includes prosecutors seeking fewer death penalties and more rigorous judicial examinations before imposing the sentence.
“But this does not mean that we should stop carrying out legally sanctioned executions,” the MOJ said. “We are obligated to abide by our current laws.”
London-based Amnesty International issued a statement condemning Taiwan’s execution of the inmates, describing the action as in conflict with the spirit of the ICCPR and swimming against the global tide of death penalty abolition.
The EU and Germany also issued statements condemning the executions and calling for Taiwan to suspend its use of capital punishment.
In response, ROC Representative to Germany Wei Wu-lien briefed German officials on Taiwan’s stance concerning the issue, while Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman James Chi-ping Chang reaffirmed Taiwan’s respect for human rights and the rule of law. (JSM)
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw