TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih pressed his opponent, Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai Ching-te, on Thursday (Jan. 4) for a clear stance on the death penalty.
This pressing issue has gained momentum following a tragic middle school stabbing in New Taipei City, which resulted in one student's death in December.
Hou, alongside parents and teacher representatives, held a press conference on the same day, advocating for amendments to laws and enhancements to student safety measures in schools.
The KMT candidate reiterated his support for the death penalty, questioning Lai's position on its abolition and adherence to existing laws.
"Until Lai Ching-te declares his stance, I'll keep questioning him daily. The public deserves a leader's clear position," Hou stated. The bereaved parents a day earlier, through an open letter, echoed Hou's sentiments, demanding revisions to the Juvenile Justice Act and opposing the death penalty's abolition.
Highlighting disparities in execution rates, Hou contrasted the 33 executions under former President Ma Ying-jeou with only two under President Tsai Ing-wen, questioning the government's protective stance towards offenders.
"When did our government protect perpetrators like this?" Hou asked.