TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The justice minister on Monday (Jan. 6) reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice's (法務部) respect for all legally applied-for demonstrations. This announcement comes as the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) plans a large-scale mobilization on Jan. 11 to voice grievances against the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).
Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), the TPP acting chairman, stated on Jan. 3 that the upcoming rally aims to express public discontent with the ruling party's alleged interference in the judicial system. In response to media inquiries, Cheng emphasized the ministry's stance on respecting legally sanctioned protests.
The Judiciary and Organic Laws Committee (立法院司法及法制委員會) under the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, reviewed proposed amendments to the "Criminal Code" (刑法) earlier that day. Justice Minister Cheng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙) provided explanations alongside other officials. Meanwhile, the case involving Hsu Chih-yu (許芷瑜), a former secretary to ex-Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), remains under investigation. Authorities continue to search for Hsu, who is wanted for corruption and bribery until 2062.
When asked about the consistency between the indictment details in Ko's case and media reports, Cheng responded that the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) and Taiwan High Prosecutors Office (台灣高等檢察署) are still investigating the matter and declined to comment further.