November 30, 2008
Reported by Lin Yi-ying
Written by Lydia Ma

Taiwanese society has become increasingly tense lately with the new government compromising national sovereignty through China leaning policies, judicial investigations targeting opposition party members while overlooking members from the ruling party, the use of violence by police to suppress citizens, and biased reports by the media that do not reflect the whole truth behind events. Due to the worsening situation, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) called a press conference on November 20th, urging all Taiwanese to face the current national crisis with reason and calmness. The PCT urged citizens to be levelheaded in their efforts to protect human rights, basic freedoms, and social justice in Taiwan.

According to PCT General Assembly moderator, Asing Aman, the Ma administration has not stopped causing confrontation and animosity among Taiwanese people, violating Taiwanese human rights, and compromising national security from the time it took office. Based on the PCT's spiritual convictions, it must speak out in times like these to protect the country and the people from greater harm. The PCT urges the government to do all it can to prevent further senseless antagonism.

PCT General Secretary Andrew Chang stresses that recent events have led the Taiwanese people to lose faith in the government and the country. Some people are so disappointed that they are ready to use violence to counter violence. If violent opposition and irrationality continue, the country could lose peace and justice soon. Hence, the PCT called a press conference to urge the Ma administration to deal with the unlawful actions of the judiciary, unethical prosecution, and violation of basic human rights. The PCT would like to see the government committed to ensuring due process and defending people's rights.

Chang criticized the media for its biased news coverage and reminded reporters that it is their duty to make sure reports are fair, impartial, accurate, and professional. He also urged the public to remain levelheaded y using reason and calmness when defending human rights and justice. He hopes that executive and judicial authorities can truly use their governing powers fairly and justly so that the people can regain confidence in the government and the judicial system.

Taiwan Church News