TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Constitutional Court could announce its verdict on Taiwan's death penalty on Friday (Sept. 20) afternoon, which could impact 37 death row inmates by determining whether they will be temporarily released, re-sentenced to life imprisonment, or acquitted.
The abolition of the death penalty has long been a contentious issue in Taiwanese society. Currently, 37 inmates argue that the death penalty violates their constitutional rights, including equality and the right to life. They have requested a constitutional review and a halt to executions.
Wang Hong-wei (王鴻薇), chief deputy secretary-general of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Legislative Caucus, stated that if the grand justices rules that the abolition of the death penalty is constitutional, the KMT will take major actions. Wang noted that 80% of the people in Taiwan oppose the abolition of the death penalty.
Earlier that day, the Legislative Yuan convened with Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) leading Cabinet members for a policy report and questioning. This session coincides with the day the Constitutional Court will deliver its verdict on the death penalty's constitutionality.
If the court rules the death penalty unconstitutional, it will effectively declare Taiwan a country that has abolished the death penalty. Wang emphasized that if the constitutional interpretation of the abolition of the death penalty is indeed made, the KMT supporters will be asked to take to the streets.
Observers await the court's decision, which could mark a significant shift in Taiwan's legal and social landscape.