Taiwan Legislator Advocates for Death Penalty, Cites Public Opinion

Taiwanese legislator Wang Shih-chien has called for the continued operation of the Control Yuan and Examination Yuan, even as he maintains his personal view that both bodies should be abolished. Speaking during a legislative session on Tuesday, Wang argued that while the long-term goal remains constitutional amendment to eliminate these institutions, they must function normally until such changes are enacted.

Wang, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emphasized that the party's founding principle includes abolishing the Control Yuan and Examination Yuan. However, he stressed the responsibility of the ruling party to nominate candidates for president, vice president, and members of these bodies to ensure their proper functioning in the interim. He specifically endorsed Wang Jung-chang as the most suitable candidate for Vice President of the Control Yuan, acknowledging his past work in protecting the rights of the disabled and vulnerable groups.

“

When a victim's life is completely taken by the perpetrator, the perpetrator is no longer worthy of the right to life and human dignity.

During the discussion on human rights, Wang Shih-chien articulated a starkly different perspective on the death penalty compared to the human rights commission's stance. He stated that while abolishing the death penalty is framed as upholding the right to life and human dignity, perpetrators who violently end victims' lives forfeit their own claim to these rights. "When a victim's life is completely taken by the perpetrator, the perpetrator is no longer worthy of the right to life and human dignity," Wang declared, advocating for justice for victims and emphasizing that punishment should fit the crime.

Citing public opinion data, Wang noted that an estimated 70% to 90% of Taiwanese people support the death penalty and oppose its abolition. He urged Wang Jung-chang to take this significant public sentiment into account, highlighting the discrepancy between the human rights commission's advocacy for abolition and the prevailing public will. The legislator pointed out that 37 death sentences have been finalized in Taiwan, but their execution is being delayed due to pressure from human rights and abolitionist groups.

“

He urged Wang Jung-chang to take this significant public sentiment into account.