May 9, 2010
Reported by Sam Lee
Written by Lydia Ma

Taiwan's Ministry of Justice executed 4 inmates on death row on April 30, citing it was administering existing laws. These executions drew sharp criticism from both European Union and Amnesty International for the Ma administration.

According to reports, former Premier Chang Chun-hsiung visited these inmates in April and also requested to visit all inmates on death row as soon as possible so that he could share the gospel with them

Chang encouraged all death-row inmates to apologize to their victims because the death penalty could not restore relationships or undo damages. Instead, only sincere apologies could heal the hearts of victims and their families.

At the beginning of April, Chang visited a death row inmate surnamed Wang. Ten years ago, Wang fell in love with a girl and murdered her when she turned him down. His death sentence was finalized last year.

Chang appeared very upset upon learning that such a young man could've committed such a heinous crime. He urged Wang to repent and led him in a prayer for forgiveness. He met with Wang's father as well and encouraged him to help his son start anew.

According to reports, Wang wrote to Chang recently, expressing his regret and repentance for the crimes he'd committed. He also wrote that he hoped to apologize to his victim's family with the help of Prison Fellowship Taiwan Director Rev. Huang Ming-chen.

Taiwan Church News