Dear international friends,
Today we stand here, hand in hand, to call for restoration of judicial justice and preservation of Taiwan’s democracy. What happened for the past several months indicates the serious setback of judicial independence and the harm it causes to our democracy.
Ever since President Lai-Ching-Te took office, he abuses the prosecution power to go after his campaign opponent, Dr. Ko Wen-je, also the leader of Taiwan’s third political party. The purpose of Lai’s political prosecution is crystally clear: to eliminate any resistance to his desire for absolute control of this country.
To satisfy President Lai’s desire, the prosecution office jailed Dr. Ko Wen-je for more than four months, and indicted Dr. Ko even without sufficient evidence. Most outrageously, the prosecutor forced Dr. Ko to resign his chairmanship of Taiwan People’s Party.
Most Taiwanese people are angry about such blatant abuse of power. And more importantly, Taiwan’s democracy is being greatly undermined by the weaponization of judicial branch.
Any voice that challenges the ruling party risks being suppressed, prosecuted, and even sent to jail. Taiwan is undergoing the resurgence of an authoritarian regime.
Today’s action demonstrates our determination to protect Taiwan’s democracy and rule of law. We call for your attention and support for this very important purpose.
親愛的國際朋友們：
今天，我們站在這裡，攜手呼籲恢復司法正義與守護台灣的民主。過去幾個月發生的事情，顯示出司法獨立的嚴重倒退以及對我國民主造成的傷害。
自賴清德總統上任以來，他濫用檢察權力，針對他的競選對手、台灣第三大政黨的領袖柯文哲博士進行政治迫害。賴總統的政治起訴目的是顯而易見的：消除任何對他想要絕對掌控這個國家的阻力。
為滿足賴總統的私慾，檢察機關讓柯文哲博士被關押超過四個月，並在證據不足的情況下對他提起公訴。更令人憤怒的是，檢察官甚至逼迫柯博士辭去台灣民眾黨主席的職位。
大多數台灣人民對於這種赤裸裸的濫權感到憤怒。而更重要的是，司法機關的武器化正在嚴重破壞台灣的民主。
任何挑戰執政黨的聲音，都面臨被壓制、起訴甚至入獄的風險。台灣正經歷威權體制的復辟。
今天的行動展現了我們守護台灣民主與法治的決心。我們呼籲各界重視並支持這一重要的目標。
Taiwan's opposition accuses the DPP of judicial persecution
台灣在野黨控訴民進黨司法迫害
