DPP Rejects TPP's 'Ko Wen-je Clause' Claims, Cites Different Legislative Contexts

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly refuted claims that President Lai Ching-te, during his tenure as a legislator, proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law similar to the controversial "Ko Wen-je clause" currently being pushed by the Taiwan People's Party (TPP).

“

The TPP wants to be slapped in the face how many times? There was a special background of the era of the Special Investigation Division 17 years ago, the corresponding problems were different, and the content of the amendment was also different, so they cannot be confused.

DPP spokesperson Wu Jui-jen stated that comparing Lai's past legislative actions to the TPP's current proposals is a misrepresentation. He explained that Lai's previous amendments were drafted during the era of the Special Investigation Division (SID), a now-defunct prosecutorial body, and were intended to address specific issues related to that context. Wu argued that the TPP's proposed changes, which aim to remove elements like the "risk of collusion with accomplices or witnesses" as a ground for detention, are fundamentally different and cannot be equated.

The DPP accused TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang of deliberately distorting facts and opening the door for criminals. The party asserted that while the TPP claims to be fighting fraud and drug trafficking, their proposed amendments could significantly hinder judicial investigations. Wu highlighted several potential consequences, including prosecutors being unable to seek detention for suspects who may collude, judges being unable to order detention, and increased risks of defendants absconding or tampering with evidence.

“

Are you trying to help scam groups and drug traffickers? Are you trying to acquit child abuse offenders and spies?

Furthermore, the DPP recalled that their past proposals, including those by Lai in 2008 and the DPP in 2012, aimed to prevent the abuse of power by the SID. They pointed to the "Ma-Wang political strife" in 2013 as evidence of the SID's overreach. The party emphasized that their earlier proposals, which advocated for detention as a last resort, were made when the Kuomintang held a legislative majority and were ultimately not passed. The DPP urged the TPP to withdraw their current proposal, arguing it would harm the justice system and the rights of victims.

“

Please withdraw the case, and do not harm the judiciary anymore.