Taiwan’s First Execution in Five Years Sparks Global Outcry
Taiwan’s recent execution has ignited fierce criticism from human rights advocates worldwide
Taiwan, Huang Linkai, Death Penalty, Human Rights, Amnesty International
Taipei: Taiwan just carried out its first execution in five years, and it’s causing quite a stir. The execution of Huang Linkai has rights groups up in arms.
Huang was on death row for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend and her mother back in 2013. The Ministry of Justice confirmed he was executed at a detention center in Taipei.
This was the first execution order signed by the new justice minister, Cheng Ming-chien, since he took office last May. It’s a big deal because the last execution in Taiwan was in April 2020.
Huang’s case had been through the wringer, with the Supreme Court upholding his death sentence. Prosecutors said his actions stemmed from a breakup and some money issues.
Despite ongoing concerns about the death penalty’s constitutionality in Taiwan, the minister authorized the execution. The constitutional court had pointed out flaws in how the death penalty is applied, calling for reforms by 2026.
Huang’s lawyer tried to appeal, but the execution went ahead anyway. This has really upset the European Union and various rights organizations, who are calling it “unlawful.”
Amnesty International’s Taiwan director, E-Ling Chiu, said this execution is a major setback for human rights in the country. She described it as shocking and cruel, arguing it undermines years of progress toward abolishing the death penalty.
Chiu emphasized that the execution violated both constitutional and international laws, especially since an appeal was still pending. It’s pretty alarming that it happened with just a few hours’ notice, leaving no time for family visits.
She urged the Taiwanese government to stop any further executions and to establish a moratorium as a first step toward abolishing the death penalty altogether.
As of the end of this year, 37 out of 45 people on death row could face execution. It’s a heavy situation, especially when you consider that 113 countries have already abolished the death penalty.
The EU also condemned the execution, expressing sympathy for the victims’ families while reiterating its opposition to capital punishment in any form. They believe it’s inhumane and doesn’t effectively deter crime.
They’re calling on Taiwan to maintain a moratorium and work towards fully abolishing the death penalty. It’s a complex issue, and the conversation around it is far from over.