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Long walk for Chen¡¦s
freedom starts in Taipei
DOCTORS¡¦ ORDERS: A European politician visiting
Taiwan said the opinions of doctors about A-bian¡¦s condition should guide a
decision on possible parole
By Rich Chang / Staff reporter
Members of a pro-independence group yesterday started a 36-day walk around the
country as they called on the authorities to end what they termed ¡§autocratic
control of the judiciary¡¨ and for the release of jailed former president Chen
Shui-bian (³¯¤ô«ó).
The walk was initiated by the Alliance of Referendum for Taiwan. Dozens of
people joined the walk from Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taipei
yesterday, where Chen, who is serving a lengthy jail term on charges of
corruption, was admitted on Sept. 21 for medical examination and treatment.
The group plans to walk through Keelung, Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung
County, Pingtung County and the cities and counties on the west coast before
arriving back in Taipei on Dec. 8. They are then to hold a protest on Ketagalan
Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office, said Tsay Ting-kuei (½²¤B¶Q), the
alliance¡¦s convener.
The action is a non-violent call for the government to end judicial persecution
against Chen and release him, he said, adding that about 30 people would
participate in the entire walk.
On Friday, Hans van Baalen, a member of the European Parliament and president of
Liberal International currently visiting Taiwan, said Chen should be given
better medical treatment.
Doctors said Chen is severely depressed and his supporters and human rights
groups have suggested that he be released on medical parole.
The question of whether Chen should be released on parole for medical treatment
should not be treated as a political issue, Van Baalen said after visiting Chen
at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.
Doctors¡¦ professional opinions should guide the decision, and they say Chen
should be provided with a better place for medical treatment, Van Baalen said.
The Liberal International congress has passed a resolution calling for Taiwan¡¦s
government to release Chen for medical treatment, he added, saying he has sent
the resolution to Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin (ªL¥Ã¼Ö).
Liberal International is a world federation of more than 100 political parties.
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