Taiwan carried out its first execution in five years, sparking immediate condemnation from human rights organizations and the European Union. Huang Lin-kai was executed for the 2013 murder of his ex-girlfriend and her mother, a case that also involved rape. This execution comes despite Taiwan's reputation as a liberal democracy and a recent constitutional court ruling that limited the death penalty to the most serious crimes with rigorous legal scrutiny.
TAIPEI — Taiwan carried out its first execution in five years late on Thursday, upsetting both rights groups and the European Union which called on the government to maintain its de facto moratorium on the death penalty .Despite Taiwan 's reputation as Asia's most liberal democracy, the death penalty remains broadly popular according to opinion polls, though in recent years it has only rarely been carried out and violent crime is relatively low.
In September, Taiwan's constitutional court ruled that the death penalty is constitutional but only for the most serious crimes with the most rigorous legal scrutiny, after considering a petition brought by 37 people who were then on death row.Taiwan's Justice Ministry said in a statement that Huang Lin-kai had been executed at the Taipei Detention Centre, having been sentenced to death in 2017 for the 2013 murder of his ex-girlfriend and her mother. He also raped his ex-girlfriend.The ministry said Huang's execution was consistent with the intention of the constitutional court's September ruling and that the nature of his crime was 'obviously inhumane and extremely vicious.'Taiwan last put someone to death in April 2020, which also drew censure from the EU days after the bloc had publicly thanked Taipei for donating face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.The EU's diplomatic service said in reaction to Huang's execution that it 'calls on Taiwan to apply and maintain a de facto moratorium, and to pursue a consistent policy towards the full abolition of the death penalty in Taiwan', noting its unequivocal opposition to the death penalty.While Taiwan's largest opposition party the Kuomintang voiced its support for capital punishment, rights groups expressed dismay.'This execution is a shocking and brutal development,' said E-Ling Chiu, the Taiwan director of rights group Amnesty International.The Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty, in a joint statement with three other rights groups, said executions would 'only make society more bloodthirsty.'Its Facebook page was then flooded with comments in support of the death penalty. — Reuter
Taiwan Death Penalty Execution Human Rights EU
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taiwan-Philippines Foundation Supports Fil-Chi Students' Education in TaiwanThe Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation held its fourth and fifth Board of Directors inauguration ceremony, marking a key milestone in supporting underprivileged Filipino-Chinese students pursuing higher education in Taiwan. The event also featured the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines’ leadership handover, welcoming Pai Shih-jung as the new president.
Read more »
Iran Executes Man Convicted of 'Corruption of Earth' for Attacking WomenIranian authorities executed Rastgooei Kandolaj, a man convicted of 'corruption of earth' for attacking at least 59 women on the streets of Tehran with an awl. He was found guilty of causing injuries and sowing terror in the city.
Read more »
Taiwan President Urges Increased Defense Spending Amid China ThreatTaiwan President Lai Ching-te called for a boost in defense spending and a demonstration of Taiwan's commitment to its own protection in a New Year's address. Lai's remarks come amidst rising tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, and concerns about the incoming US administration's stance on Taiwan's security.
Read more »
Saudi executes at least 338 people in 2024 — AFP tallyLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
Iran Executes Record Number of People in 2022The UN human rights office reported a surge in executions in Iran last year, with at least 901 people put to death, including 31 women. Many of the executions stemmed from drug-related offenses, but political dissidents and protesters connected to the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests were also among the victims.
Read more »
Senators Call for Aid and Prisoner Transfer Treaties for Detained OFWsFollowing the return of Mary Jane Veloso, Filipino senators urge the government to prioritize the well-being of detained OFWs abroad.
Read more »