Wrongful Execution Reopens Death Penalty Debate By Dennis Engbarth
TAIPEI, Feb 5, 2011 (IPS) - Revelations that an Air Force private had apparently been wrongfully executed 15 years ago for the rape and murder of a five-year-old girl have reopened the debate over Taiwan’s retention of the death penalty.
Taipei District and Taichung District prosecutors announced Jan. 28 that after a new investigation into the case, another former Air Force enlisted man had confessed to the crime.
The announcement prompted President Ma Ying-jeou to apologise to the mother of then 21-year-old Air Force private Chiang Kuo-ching, who was convicted for the crime and executed by gunshot in 1997. Ma also promised "to use the swiftest legal procedure" to clear Chiang's name and make reparations.
BEIJING // An admission by the Taiwanese government that a young air force private was wrongly executed for murder nearly 14 years ago has led to renewed calls by human-rights groups for the island to abolish the death penalty.
