Response to Ruling by the Constitutional Court of Taiwan:
What are the key takeaways from E-Ling Chiu?
- E-Ling Chiu from Amnesty International Taiwan acknowledges the progress towards human rights in Taiwan.
- Emphasis on flaws in the death penalty system.
- Concerns about unfair proceedings leading to death penalties.
- Call for amendments to protect those with mental disabilities from executions.
Background on the Constitutional Court Decision:
What did the Constitutional Court of Taiwan Decide?
- Found the death penalty constitutional for serious offences like murder.
- Government given two years to amend laws.
- Prohibited death penalty for individuals with mental disabilities.
- Amnesty International Taiwan and others called for complete abolition.
Current Situation:
What is the current state of the death penalty in Taiwan?
- Concern that around 40 people remain at risk of execution.
- Global trend moving towards abolition.
- Calls for immediate moratorium on executions.
- Last execution in Taiwan was in 2020.
Summary:
Taiwan’s Constitutional Court recognizes the flaws in the death penalty system but falls short of abolishing it completely. Calls for amendments to protect those with mental disabilities and urges the government to establish a moratorium on executions as a critical first step towards abolition.
Source: www.amnesty.org