Chen Shui-bian Archives - Formosan Association for Public Affairs https://fapa.org/tag/chen-shui-bian/ Wed, 01 Jul 2020 22:18:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://fapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-FAPA_OFFICIAL_LOGO_coloradjusted-32x32.png Chen Shui-bian Archives - Formosan Association for Public Affairs https://fapa.org/tag/chen-shui-bian/ 32 32 181504243 FAPA Pleased With Release Of Former President Chen, But Critical Of The Bureaucratic Delays And Unreasonable Conditions https://fapa.org/fapa-pleased-with-release-of-former-president-chen-but-critical-of-the-bureaucratic-delays-and-unreasonable-conditions-january-5-2015/ Tue, 06 Jan 2015 19:08:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1165 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC –January 5, 2015Contact: (202) 547-3686 FAPA Pleased With Release Of Former President Chen, But Critical Of The Bureaucratic Delays And Unreasonable Conditions Today, former President of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian was released on medical parole enabling him to receive adequate treatment for his medical conditions in a home environment. President Chen, who […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC –January 5, 2015
Contact: (202) 547-3686

FAPA Pleased With Release Of Former President Chen, But Critical Of The Bureaucratic Delays And Unreasonable Conditions

Today, former President of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian was released on medical parole enabling him to receive adequate treatment for his medical conditions in a home environment.

President Chen, who served as Taiwan’s president between 2000 and 2008, was imprisoned on charges of corruption only months after leaving office. However, many international observers, including former Harvard Law Professor Jerome Cohen, identified multiple lapses in due process and other serious procedural flaws by the prosecution, raising questions about whether the judicial proceedings against Chen were politically motivated.

Initially, Mr. Chen was serving out his 19-year sentence in Taoyuan County prison, where he was confined virtually 24 hours a day to an undersized cell of about 50 square ft, which he shared with one other cellmate.  The cell had a toilet, but no bed, desk or chair. After an international outcry, he was transferred to Taipei Veterans General Hospital in September 2012, where his health condition started to improve.

However, in April 2013 he was suddenly transferred to Pei-teh Prison in Taichung in Central Taiwan, prompting several suicide attempts.  Since then, Mr. Chen’s physical and psychological health further declined.

Over the past years, numerous prominent international figures and organizations have appealed for the release of the former President, including Freedom House, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, Liberal International, former Alaska senator and governor Frank Murkowski, former AIT Chairman of the Board Nat Bellocchi, US Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and a number of US Congressmen, including Repr. Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Ed Royce (R-CA) and others.

The appeals for his release became stronger in mid-November 2014, on the occasion of the sixth “anniversary” of his arrest, and intensified after the political landslide won by the democratic opposition of the DPP in the November 29th local elections.

However, during the month of December 2014 Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice, the Agency of Corrections, the prosecutors, and the court system threw the hot potato as to who would be responsible for his release back and forth, delaying his release time and again.

The most flagrant excuse was that Pei-teh Prison could not process the required documents on December 31st, as the report from the government-appointed medical team “had been delayed due to a traffic jam.”  As a result of this foot-dragging and these delays, former President Chen was forced to spend Christmas and the New Year in his jail, instead of at home with his family.

In addition, the Ministry of Justice attached a number of demeaning conditions to the parole: that it  is only for an initial period of one month, and can be extended only to a total of four months.  The Ministry also added that none of the parole time will be counted as part of his sentence.

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. states: “The conditions imposed by the Ministry of Justice are totally outrageous in view of the fact that the former President suffers from a number of severe, chronic physical and mental ailments.  Attaching these conditions is akin to playing political football with the health of President Chen.  It will also not bring about a much-needed political reconciliation in Taiwan.”

Dr. Kao added: “While we as Taiwanese-Americans are happy that former President Chen has now finally been release on medical parole, we are angered and dismayed by the delaying tactics of the Ma administration.  This was an utterly contemptible display of bureaucratic incompetence and malicious vindictiveness.”

“Ultimately, Chen’s six years of incarceration has severely blemished the Ma government’s human rights record and status in the international community.  It is the ultimate proof that under President Ma Ying-jeou there has been a serious erosion of justice.  It is also evidence that the judicial system continues to be tainted by the political bias imposed by Mr. Ma.”

“We express our deep appreciation for the broad international support for Chen’s parole, expressed over the past years. We are sure that these international expressions of concern have helped bring about the release of former President Chen.”

Photo Credit: 王錦河 River Wang (Flickr)

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]]> 1165 Taiwanese-American Organizations Call For Medical Parole For Former President Chen Shui-bian https://fapa.org/taiwanese-american-organizations-call-for-medical-parole-for-former-president-chen-shui-bian-%e5%8f%b0%e7%be%8e%e7%a4%be%e5%9c%98%e5%91%bc%e7%b1%b2%e9%a6%ac%e6%94%bf%e5%ba%9c%e5%87%86%e8%a8%b1/ Mon, 10 Nov 2014 19:02:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1162 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC – November 10, 2014Contact: (202) 547-3686 Taiwanese-American Organizations Call For Medical Parole For Former President Chen Shui-bian In a letter dated 11 November 2014, ten Taiwanese American organizations sent a letter to Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou calling for the release on medical parole of former president Chen Shui-bian. The organizations write: “While […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC – November 10, 2014
Contact: (202) 547-3686

Taiwanese-American Organizations Call For Medical Parole For Former President Chen Shui-bian

In a letter dated 11 November 2014, ten Taiwanese American organizations sent a letter to Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou calling for the release on medical parole of former president Chen Shui-bian.

The organizations write: “While the Republic of China just celebrated the 103rd anniversary of its founding in China in 1911, the democratically elected former president of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian, is languishing in a Taichung jail. As a matter of fact, today, on November 11 it has been 6 years since Chen was sent to jail.”

They add: “Chen’s physical and psychological health has declined steadily over the years culminating in several suicide attempts due to severe depression. Attending doctors from Veterans Hospital in Taichung and medical experts at the Academia Sinica therefore recommended this past summer that Chen be released from jail on medical parole.”

“Concerns over President Chen’s incarceration have been raised on a number of occasions over the past years by members of Congress (U.S. Congressman Steve Chabot has repeatedly said it best: “Enough is enough.”) as well as by international scholars. However, your administration has been totally unresponsive to these international calls.”

“Additionally, over the years, the accusations against Chen of having violated the law have been found to have no merit. Case in point: as recent as this past August, the ROC Special Investigation Division said it had found no evidence in the “Palau Affair”, in which Chen was accused of money-laundering.”

“Chen was also found not guilty recently of misusing the State Affairs Fund and embezzling funds used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct diplomacy.”

They conclude: “[T]he joint Taiwanese American organizations urge you to grant medical parole to Chen, so that he can receive adequate treatment at home for his medical conditions.”

Mark Kao, Ph.D. the President of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), which initiated the joint statement, states: “That a democratically elected former head of state is treated in such a deplorable manner by a sitting government is clearly in violation of the values of democracy and human rights that we in the U.S. hold high.”

Dr. Kao concludes: “Chen’s continued physical and psychological deterioration is an ongoing human rights nightmare for Chen and for Taiwan as a country. The Taiwan authorities need to understand that Chen’s imprisonment is severely damaging the international image of Taiwan as a free and democratic nation.”

台美社團呼籲馬政府准許陳前總統保外就醫

10個台美組織於11月11日致函台灣總統馬英九，呼籲其准許前總統陳水扁保外就醫。

信中寫道：「中華民國雖然剛慶祝其103年國慶，但其前任的民選總統─陳水扁先生仍在台中監獄逐漸凋零中。事實上今天（11月11日）便是陳前總統被關押的六週年。」

信中補充道：「陳前總統的身心健康都在過去幾年中逐漸惡化，並導致其數度企圖自殺。因此，台中榮民總醫院的醫師及中央研究院醫學專家於幾個月前建議准許陳前總統保外就醫。」

「過去幾年中，許多美國國會議員及國際級的學者都曾針對陳前總統被關押的情形表達關切，俄亥俄州共和黨眾議員夏波（Steven Chabot）更曾多次表示『（對陳前總統的關押）已經夠了！』然而，您對這些國際聲音並未予以理會。」

「除此之外，陳前總統被起訴的案件於過去幾年間一一被宣判無罪。今年八月，特別偵查組宣佈：針對陳前總統遭控訴帛琉洗錢案，查無實證簽結。」

「陳前總統被起訴的國務機要費案及貪汙外交款項案也均被宣判無罪。」

信中總結：「台美組織社團呼籲您准許陳前總統保外就醫，以利其返家接受適當的醫療照護。」

發起此公開信函的台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示：「一個前任的民選國家元首，被其繼任者用這種可悲的方式對待，完全違反民主與人權等我們在美國所高度重視的假直。」

高博士總結道：「陳總統身心健康的持續惡化，不僅對他是一個惡夢，更是台灣這個國家的惡夢。執政者必須認清：陳前總統的關押情形，對台灣做為一個自由民主國家的國際形象有巨大的傷害。」

Joint Letter to President Ma

President Ma Ying-jeou                November 11, 2014
Office of the President
Taipei, Taiwan

Dear President Ma:

While the Republic of China just celebrated the 103rd anniversary of its founding in China in 1911, the democratically elected former president of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian, is languishing in a Taichung jail. As a matter of fact, today, on November 11 it has been 6 years since Chen was sent to jail.

Because Chen’s dire situation is of grave concern to us Taiwanese Americans, we hereby urge you to grant Chen medical parole allowing him to recuperate at home amongst his family members.

After Chen’s imprisonment in November 2008, international observers, including former Harvard Law Professor Jerome Cohen, identified multiple lapses in due process and other serious procedural flaws by the prosecution during Chen’s trial in 2009 and in 2010.

Meanwhile, Chen was confined virtually 24 hours a day to a damp, undersized prison cell in the Taoyuan County jail of about 50 square ft, with no bed, desk or chair but with a cellmate. After an international outcry, Chen was transferred to a new prison in Taichung in 2013.

Chen’s physical and psychological health has declined steadily over the years culminating in several suicide attempts due to severe depression.  Attending doctors from Veterans Hospital in Taichung and medical experts at the Academia Sinica therefore recommended this past summer that Chen be released from jail on medical parole.

Concerns over President Chen’s incarceration have been raised on a number of occasions over the past years by members of Congress (U.S. Congressman Steve Chabot has repeatedly said it best: “Enough is Enough.”) as well as by international scholars. However, your administration has been totally unresponsive to these international calls.

Additionally, over the years, the accusations against Chen of having violated the law have been found to have no merit. Case in point: as recent as this past August, the ROC Special Investigation Division said it had found no evidence in the “Palau Affair”, in which Chen was accused of money-laundering.

Chen was also found not guilty recently of misusing the State Affairs Fund and embezzling funds used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct diplomacy.

Finally, more than 60 percent of respondents in a poll held last week in Taiwan, support the idea of allowing Chen to receive medical treatment at home and many find it unacceptable that your government refuses to grant this.

Therefore, again, the joint Taiwanese American organizations urge you to grant medical parole to Chen, so that he can receive adequate treatment at home for his medical conditions.

Sincerely,

Formosan Association for Public Affairs
Formosan Association for Human Rights
Taiwanese Presbyterian Church of Greater Washington
North America Taiwanese Women’s Association
Professor Chen Wen-chen Memorial Foundation
San Diego Taiwan Center
Taiwanese American Foundation of San Diego
Taiwanese Association of America
World Federation of Taiwanese Associations
World Taiwanese Congress

Photo Credit: Petar Milošević (Wikimedia Commons)

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]]> 1162 Congressman Robert Andrews Urges Colleagues To Support Medical Parole For Chen Resolution https://fapa.org/congressman-robert-andrews-urges-colleagues-to-support-medical-parole-for-chen-resolution-%e5%ae%89%e5%be%b7%e9%ad%af%e6%96%af%e7%9c%be%e8%ad%b0%e5%93%a1%e5%91%bc%e7%b1%b2%e5%90%8c%e4%bb%81%e6%94%af/ Fri, 20 Sep 2013 19:40:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1117 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC –September 20, 2013Contact: (202) 547-3686 Congressman Robert Andrews Urges Colleagues To Support Medical Parole For Chen Resolution On September 20, 2013 Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ) sent a so-called “Dear Colleague” letter to all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to co-sponsor HCR46 that concludes that: “Congress urges […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC –September 20, 2013
Contact: (202) 547-3686

Congressman Robert Andrews Urges Colleagues To Support Medical Parole For Chen Resolution

On September 20, 2013 Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ) sent a so-called “Dear Colleague” letter to all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to co-sponsor HCR46 that concludes that: “Congress urges the Government of Taiwan to grant former President Chen Shui-bian medical parole to ensure that he receives the highest level of medical attention, effective immediately.”

HCR46 was introduced by Rep. Andrews on July 30, 2013,

The “Dear Colleague” letter titled: “Granting Former President Chen of Taiwan Medical Parole” reads: “Mr. Chen has languished in jail since December 2008 on corruption charges that Taiwan observers claim are politically motivated. Because of Mr. Chen’s present poor physical and mental health, it is time that the former President is granted medical parole on humanitarian grounds so he can receive the treatment he needs.”

It quotes from the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act: “The preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all the people of Taiwan are hereby reaffirmed as objectives of the United States.”

It continues: “The fact that a former head of state is treated in such a deplorable manner is clearly in violation of the values of democracy and human rights that we as a nation hold high. Congress cannot be silent when we believe these standards are not being met.”

It concludes: “Mr. Chen should be allowed to pick a care provider of his own choice and the process of granting medical parole needs to start right away. In Taiwan, the judicial system allows for medical parole and it is time for the government to allow Mr. Chen this right.”

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. states: “The treatment of former President Chen is a clear violation of human rights. Any prisoner in a democracy should be allowed full access to adequate medical resources in order to treat physical conditions; let alone a former head of state.”

Dr. Kao continues: “Taiwanese Americans are disturbed about the way the Ma government treats Chen. It is a disgrace that a former president is deprived of his basic human rights. We therefore urge the Ma government to also recognize the damage Chen’s treatment continues to cause towards Taiwan’s international image and grant President Chen full medical parole immediately.”

Dr. Kao concludes: “Earlier his week, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays are “spent with families and friends treasuring our many blessings.” We hope that on this auspicious day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Mr. Chen would have a chance to come a step closer to spending time with HIS family and friends as well.”

安德魯斯眾議員呼籲同仁支持陳水扁保外就醫決議案

在二零一三年九月二十日，紐澤西州民主黨安德魯斯眾議員，向美國眾議院的四百三十五位議員發了一封「致親愛同仁函」，央求他們支持第46號決議案，該決議案主張：「國會呼籲台灣政府應立即允許前總統陳水扁的保外就醫，以確保他能夠受到最佳的醫療照護」

第46號決議案是在二零一三年七月三十日由安德魯斯眾議員所提出的。

此封標題為「應允台灣陳前總統的保外就醫」的「致親愛同仁函」 提到：「陳先生自二零零八年十二月以來，便因為許多台灣觀察家聲稱是出於政治動機的貪污罪而在獄中日益憔悴。而考量到陳先生目前極為衰弱的身心健康，應於此時就人道立場，准許陳前總統的保外就醫，以接受必需的醫療照護。」

該議案也引述一九七九年的台灣關係法條文：「玆此重申維護及促進所有台灣人民的人權是美國的目標。」

議案也指出：「一位前國家領導人受到如此的待遇，很明顯地違反了我國所崇尚的民主與人權價值。當這些價值不受尊重的情形下，國會無法保持緘默」

議案並總結道：「陳先生應要能夠自己挑選合適的看護，而保外就醫的相關程序也應立即開始。台灣的司法系統是允許醫療假釋的，而政府也應在此時應允陳先生此一權利。」

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示：「陳前總統所受到的待遇很明顯是違反人權的。在民主體制下，任何犯人都應享有適切的醫療資源以治療其病痛；更何況是國家的前領導人？」

高博士指出：「台美人對馬政府給陳前總統的待遇感到相當困擾。剝奪前總統的基本人權可以說是民主國家的恥辱。因此，我們在此要求馬政府正視陳水扁目前所受之不堪待遇，對台灣的國際形象所造成的損害，並且即刻准許陳總統的保外就醫。」

高博士總結道：「本周稍早，美國國務卿凱瑞提到中秋節 「是一段與家人和朋友共同珍惜的歡樂時光」，我們也誠摯地希望陳前總統能早日保外就醫，並與家人團聚」

Rep. Andrews’ Letter

Co-Sponsor H.Con.Res. 46: Granting Former President Chen of Taiwan Medical Parole
From: The Honorable Robert E. Andrews
Bill: H.Con.Res. 46
Date: 9/19/2013

Co-Sponsor H.Con.Res. 46:
Granting Former President Chen of Taiwan Medical Parole

September 19, 2013

Dear Colleague:

On July 30, 2013, I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 46, which concluded: “It is the sense of Congress that the government of Taiwan should grant former President Chen medical parole to ensure that he receives the highest level of medical attention, effective immediately.”

Mr. Chen has languished in jail since December 2008 on corruption charges that Taiwan observers claim are politically motivated. Because of Mr. Chen’s present poor physical and mental health, it is time that the former President is granted medical parole on humanitarian grounds so he can receive the treatment he needs.

The cornerstone of US-Taiwan Relations, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (The “”Law of the Land””), reads: “”The preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all the people of Taiwan are hereby reaffirmed as objectives of the United States.””  The fact that a former head of state is treated in such a deplorable manner is clearly in violation of the values of democracy and human rights that we as a nation hold high. Congress cannot be silent when we believe these standards are not being met.

Mr. Chen should be allowed to pick a care provider of his own choice and the process of granting medical parole needs to start right away. In Taiwan, the judicial system allows for medical parole and it is time for the government to allow Mr. Chen this right.

I hope that you will join me in this important resolution in support of human rights. To co-sponsor H.Con.Res 46, please e-mail Ben Culver of my staff at Benjamin.Culver@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

ROBERT ANDREWS

H.Con.Res.46

Photo Credit: 王錦河 River Wang (Flickr)

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]]> 1117 U.S. Representative Andrews Introduces Legislation Calling For Medical Parole For Former President Chen Shui-bian https://fapa.org/u-s-representative-andrews-introduces-legislation-calling-for-medical-parole-for-former-president-chen-shui-bian-%e7%be%8e%e7%9c%be%e8%ad%b0%e5%93%a1%e6%8f%90%e4%ba%a4%e6%b1%ba%e8%ad%b0%e6%a1%88/ Wed, 31 Jul 2013 22:58:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1094 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC – July 31, 2013Contact: (202) 547-3686 U.S. Representative Andrews Introduces Legislation Calling For Medical Parole For Former President Chen Shui-bian On July 30, 2013, Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ) introduced legislation concluding that “Congress urges the Government of Taiwan to grant former President Chen Shui-bian medical parole to ensure that he receives […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC – July 31, 2013
Contact: (202) 547-3686

U.S. Representative Andrews Introduces Legislation Calling For Medical Parole For Former President Chen Shui-bian

On July 30, 2013, Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ) introduced legislation concluding that “Congress urges the Government of Taiwan to grant former President Chen Shui-bian medical parole to ensure that he receives the highest level of medical attention, effective immediately.”

The bill, H.Con.Res.46, states: “Whereas since the administration of the Kuomintang Nationalists came to office in 2008, a large number of investigations and prosecutions have been brought against officials from the previous administration, led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), including former President Chen Shui-bian;”

It continues: “Whereas most of these prosecutions were politically motivated, in an apparent pattern of political score-settling.”

The bill concludes: “Whereas former President Chen has not been able to receive adequate medical treatment in accordance with his wishes, such as selecting either doctors or hospitals, and has not been able to have complete access to his medical records.”

The bill also invokes a clause from the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which is the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations: “The preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all the people of Taiwan are hereby reaffirmed as objectives of the United States.”

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. states: “For Taiwanese Americans and for members of the U.S. Congress, Chen’s suicide attempt last month was more than a desperate act by a severely depressed victim of humanitarian injustice, it was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. As the chairman of the House Asian Subcommittee Steve Chabot has said on multiple occasions: ‘Enough is Enough!'”

Dr. Kao adds: “Not only does Chen need to be allowed to immediately pick a psychiatrist or neurologist of his own choice, but the process of granting medical parole to Chen also needs to start right away as well. Taiwan’s judicial system allows for such medical parole.”

Dr. Kao concludes: “Chen’s continued physical and psychological deterioration is an ongoing human rights nightmare for Chen and for Taiwan as a country. The Taiwan authorities need to understand that Chen’s imprisonment is severely damaging the international image of Taiwan as a free and democratic nation.”

In a related development, the New York Times published a quarter page article on Monday, July 22, titled: “Taiwan Debates Medical Parole for Ex-Leader.” The article also refers to the June 2, suicide attempt when Chen attempted to hang himself with a towel in a shower in prison.

美眾議員提交決議案籲陳水扁保外就醫

2013年7月22日，紐澤西州民主黨眾議員安德魯斯（Robert Andrews）提交決議案希望「美國眾議院呼籲台灣政府立即讓前總統陳水扁保外就醫，並確保他享有最好的醫療照護。」

該決議案指出：「自從國民黨在2008年重掌政權之後，多名民進黨執政時期的內閣官員就遭到調查和起訴，包括陳前總統。」

法案繼續說到大部分的起訴案件都具有政治動機，而且是明顯的政治清算鬥爭。

這項決議案最後提到陳前總統無法依個人意願接受合宜的治療，包括選擇醫院或醫生，也無法取得他自己的完整病歷資料。

此決議案同時呼應了向來被認作是台美關係基礎的《台灣關係法》，1979年所簽署的《台灣關係法》其中一項 : 「 玆此重申維護及促進所有台灣人民的人權是美國的目標。」

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示，「對台裔美國人以及許多美國國會議員來說，上個月陳前總統自殺未遂的事實除了是一位因司法人權不公導致嚴重憂鬱症的受害者所做出的絕望舉動，更是國會終於決定發起行動的導因。就像眾院亞太事務小組委員會主席夏波（Steve Chabot）在多次場合中所說的一樣: 『（對陳前總統的懲罰）已經夠了!』

高博士另外指出：「台灣政府必須馬上准許陳前總統自由選擇主治醫師，且需立即展開保外就醫的流程。台灣的司法體系是准許受刑人爭取保外就醫的。陳前總統生理和精神狀況不斷惡化，這對他個人以及對台灣整個國家來說都是一場噩夢。台灣政府應當認知到，陳前總統身陷囹吾對台灣作為民主自由國家的國際形象造成了多大的傷害。」

另外，紐約時報在7月22日星期一刊登了一篇長達四分之一版面的文章，文章標題： 台灣輿論-陳水扁保外就醫。這篇文章同時也提到了在今年6月2日陳前總統在監獄浴室中試圖用毛巾上吊自殺。

H.Con.Res.46

Photo Credit: 王錦河 River Wang (Flickr)

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]]> 1094 FAPA: Former President Chen’s Suicide Bid Due To Inadequate Medical Treatment https://fapa.org/fapa-former-president-chens-suicide-bid-due-to-inadequate-medical-treatment-%e5%8f%b0%e7%81%a3%e4%ba%ba%e5%85%ac%e5%85%b1%e4%ba%8b%e5%8b%99%e6%9c%83-%e4%b8%8d%e7%95%b6%e9%86%ab%e7%99%82/ Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:00:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1082 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC – June 4, 2013Contact: (202) 547-3686 FAPA: Former President Chen’s Suicide Bid Due To Inadequate Medical Treatment In the evening of Sunday June 2nd, former President Chen Shui-bian reportedly tried to hang himself in Pei-teh Prison in Taichung.  This is apparently the third or fourth time that the former President has […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC – June 4, 2013
Contact: (202) 547-3686

FAPA: Former President Chen’s Suicide Bid Due To Inadequate Medical Treatment

In the evening of Sunday June 2nd, former President Chen Shui-bian reportedly tried to hang himself in Pei-teh Prison in Taichung.  This is apparently the third or fourth time that the former President has attempted to take his own life.

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs – a Washington DC-based Taiwanese-American grassroots organization – expresses its deep concern about this further downturn in the former President’s health. According to FAPA, this serious deterioration is primarily due to the fact that the former President has received inadequate medical care since he was moved to Pei-teh Prison in Taichung on April 19th.

Until April 19th the former President was held at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital where he received treatment for his medical and psychiatric ailments from an expert team at TVGH, headed by a top psychiatrist, Dr. Chou Yuan-hwa.

However, at Pei-teh Prison, there is no medical team.  Medical staff from surrounding hospitals are called in on a case-by-case basis. In fact, his medical records were not even transferred from TVGH to Pei-teh Prison.   Reportedly, since April 19th, there have not been any treatment sessions to deal with his mental depression, just one weekly brief visit from a doctor at the Taichung Veterans General Hospital.

In addition, at TVGH, members of his volunteer medical team could visit him whenever needed.  However, at Pei-teh Prison in Taichung they need to apply for permission to visit Chen through a legislator, and the legislator needs to accompany them on the visit.  The volunteer medical team is also not allowed to write anything down during their visit, making it difficult for them to keep a record.

A number of key members of the US Congress, including Congressmen Steve Chabot (who traveled to Taiwan to visit Chen last month) and Robert Andrews, and Senators Sherrod Brown and Lisa Murkowski have urged the government of President Ma Ying-jeou to grant a medical parole that allows former President Chen to either go home and receive treatment there, or be transferred to a real hospital where specialized medical and psychiatric care is available.  This was also the recommendation from the top psychiatric specialist at TVGH.

FAPA will continue to work with the US Congress and the Obama Administration to make it  clear to the Taiwan authorities that continued imprisonment of former President Chen is severely damaging the international image of Taiwan as a free and democratic nation, and that release on medical parole is the only humanitarian and responsible solution.

台灣人公共事務會: 不當醫療照護成陳前總統自殺未遂肇因

據媒體報導，陳前總統於六月二日傍晚，於台中監獄附設培德醫院中第三度企圖上吊自殺。

台灣人公共事務會對此事表達深切憂慮。台灣人公共事務會表示，此事件主要肇因於陳前總統於四月十九遭移監至台中監獄後，未獲得良好的醫療照護所致。

四 月十九日前，陳前總統被安置在台北榮總醫院，接受由周元華醫師領導的專業醫療團隊照護及心理治療。然而，培德醫院並無設置醫療團隊，而是採取有需要時，求 助鄰近醫院派遣醫療人員的方式。事實上，陳前總統的診療紀錄並未從台北榮總轉送至培德醫院。據報，從四月十九日起，院方從未有任何針對陳前總統憂鬱症的治 療行為，只有一位台中榮總醫院的醫師每週赴院短暫看診。

除此之外，陳前總統安置於台北榮總時，其醫療團隊可以隨時探視，然而在培德醫院卻需透過立委安排，並由該立委陪同訪視。訪視其間，醫療團隊成員不可做筆記的規定，也增加了紀錄看診過程的難度。

多位美國國會議員，包括眾議員夏波（Steve Chabot）、安德魯斯（Robert Andrews），以及參議員布朗（Sherrod Brown）及穆考斯基（Lisa Murkowski）皆曾公開呼籲馬政府准予陳前總統保外就醫，接受居家治療，或是轉送至真正的醫院並由專業醫療團隊照護，而周元華醫師也表示這是最適當的做法。

台灣人公共事務會將持續與美國國會及政府合作，讓台灣政府明白，持續監禁陳前總統正在破壞台灣身為自由民主國家的國際形象，而准予陳前總統保外就醫是唯一的人道選擇，也是最負責任的解決方式。

Photo Credit: 王錦河 River Wang (Flickr)

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]]> 1082 FAPA Statement On The Transfer Of Former President Chen Shui-bian To A Prison Hospital In Taichung https://fapa.org/fapa-statement-on-the-transfer-of-former-president-chen-shui-bian-to-a-prison-hospital-in-taichung-%e5%8f%b0%e7%81%a3%e4%ba%ba%e5%85%ac%e5%85%b1%e4%ba%8b%e5%8b%99%e6%9c%83%e9%87%9d%e5%b0%8d%e5%89%8d/ Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:36:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1073 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC – April 19, 2013Contact: (202) 547-3686 FAPA Statement On The Transfer Of Former President Chen Shui-bian To A Prison Hospital In Taichung The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) – a Taiwanese-American grassroots organization based in Washington DC – today expressed dismay and its deepest concern about the transfer of former […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC – April 19, 2013
Contact: (202) 547-3686

FAPA Statement On The Transfer Of Former President Chen Shui-bian To A Prison Hospital In Taichung

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) – a Taiwanese-American grassroots organization based in Washington DC – today expressed dismay and its deepest concern about the transfer of former Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian  from the Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) in the North of Taipei to the Pei-de Prison Hospital in Taichung.

The way the transfer was implemented by the Taiwan Ministry of Justice flies in the face of norms and standards in a democratic country: it was done before dawn on April 19th, 2013, without any prior notification to the family or to the doctors treating Chen at the TVGH.  According to one of the doctors, Dr. Ko Wen-tze, the former President was not even given an opportunity to bring his medical prescriptions, and the prison authorities later had to return to the TVGH to pick up the prescriptions.

Additionally, according to press reports from Taiwan, the Pei-de Prison Hospital in Taichung is a poorly equipped prison clinic, and certainly does not have adequate psychiatric facilities needed for treatment of the former President.

FAPA strongly urges the Obama Administration and the US Congress to express their deepest concerns to President Ma Ying-jeou and urge him to release President Chen on medical parole.  This would be in keeping with the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which stipulates that “The preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all the people on Taiwan are hereby reaffirmed as objectives of the United States.” (Sec. 2.3).

In Taiwan some 17 out of 23 city and county councils have adopted resolutions in support of medical parole, while many members of US Congress have also spoken out on the issue.  Indeed, just today, US Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ) wrote a letter to Secretary of State Kerry (attached) saying that the United States “must clearly express [itself] in favor of a medical parole on humanitarian grounds as well.”

The argument by the Ministry of Justice in Taipei that the former President “doesn’t qualify” for medical parole is groundless and lays bare its strong political bias.  Taiwan’s Prison Act does contain clear provisions regarding medical parole, and legal specialists in Taiwan such as Taipei District Judge Hung Yin-hua have stated that former President Chen clearly qualifies under the law.

On Wednesday April 17th 2013, US Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH), who serves as the Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Subcommittee in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, raised the issue of former President Chen’s incarceration in a hearing with Secretary of State Kerry, referring to the imprisonment as “criminalization of politics.”

Secretary Kerry responded that he would follow up on the issue.  FAPA urges Secretary Kerry to stand up for the principles of freedom and democracy, and make it clear to the Taiwan authorities that continued imprisonment of former President Chen is severely damaging to the international image of Taiwan as a free and democratic nation, and that release on medical parole is the only humanitarian and responsible solution.

Since early 2012, FAPA has called the attention of the US government to the deteriorating physical and mental condition of the former President on a number of occasions, including a March 20th 2012 letter to President Obama, and some 5,500 petitions to members of the US Congress in the Summer of 2012.

台灣人公共事務會針對前總統陳水扁遭轉送台中監獄一事聲明稿

總部設於美國華府的台灣人公共事務會（FAPA），今天針對前總統陳水扁從台北榮總醫院被轉送至台中監獄培德醫院一事，表達其憂心與不滿。

台灣法務部處理此次轉送程序的手法，並非民主國家該有的風範。此次轉送在4月19日的凌晨執行，而此事並未知會家屬或是負責治療陳前總統的榮總醫師。根據柯文哲醫師表示，陳前總統連其醫囑用藥都沒有攜帶，而是由獄方事後才回來拿藥。

據台灣媒體報導，台中監獄附設培德醫院設施匱乏，且並不具備治療陳前總統精神疾病的能力。

FAPA強烈呼籲歐巴馬政府及美國國會，應對馬英九總統表示關切，並敦促其准予陳前總統保外就醫。如此才符合1979年《台灣關係法》第二條第三款中所述：「玆此重申維護及促進所有臺灣人民的人權是美國的目標。」的精神。

目前台灣的23個縣市議會中已有17個通過議案，要求政府准予陳前總統保外就醫。在美國，亦有許多國會議員針對此事表示關切。紐澤西州民主黨眾議員安德魯斯（Robert Andrews）今天致函美國國務卿凱瑞，說道：「美國也必須表達自己支持台灣政府應基於人道因素，准予陳前總統保外就醫的立場」（詳附件）。

法務部對於陳前總統「不符保外就醫要件」的說法，完全建基於政治立場，而不據任何法理依據。台灣的監獄法中明列保外就醫要件，而諸如士林地方法院刑事庭長洪英花法官等法律專家，均曾表示陳前總統的現況符合保外就醫的條件。

美國眾議院外交事務委員會亞太事務小組委員會主席、俄亥俄州共和黨眾議員夏波（Steve Chabot)，於週三一場聽證會中，對凱瑞國務卿提及陳前總統持續受到監禁一事，並表示此為「政治犯罪化」。

凱瑞國務卿當庭允諾持續關注此事。FAPA呼籲凱瑞國務卿應持守民主自由的原則，向台灣政府表示：持續監禁陳前總統會嚴重的損害台灣身為民主自由國家的的國際形象，並強調保外就醫是唯一合理、人道的解決方式。

早在2012年初，FAPA就曾多次呼籲美國政府注意陳前總統持續惡化的身心健康情形，包括一封於3月20日寫給歐巴馬總統的信函，並在同年暑假，將多達5,500封請願書交付國會議員辦公室。

Rep. Andrews’s Letter

The Honorable John F. Kerry April 19, 2013
Secretary of State
Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Mr. Secretary:

Thank you for the letter from your Legislative Affairs Office dated March 14th 2013, which was in response to my letter dated March 1st 2013, concerning the prison conditions and medical care for former Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian.

Unfortunately, said letter displays a rather stand-offish wait-and-see attitude on behalf of the US institutions representing our country in our relations with the Taiwan authorities.

As is clear from the many reports regarding former President Chen’s health, his poor physical and mental condition have been caused by the deplorable prison conditions under which he was held for the past years until September 12, 2012, when he was transferred to his present location at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

That a former head of state is treated in such a manner is clearly in violation of the values of democracy and human rights, that we as a nation hold high.  I believe that as a human rights respecting nation, we, i.e. our government and the institutions that represent us abroad, need not only maintain our human rights standards here but also express our concern when we deem these standards violated or trampled upon elsewhere.

In the case of former President Chen there have been widespread calls for medical parole, including by the ruling party’s mayor of Taipei as well as by some 17 of the 23 city and county councils in Taiwan itself.  I therefore believe that we must clearly express ourselves in favor of a medical parole on humanitarian grounds as well.

I also understand that US legal experts such as Prof. Jerome Cohen of New York University, an expert on Taiwan law, considers the trial proceedings against the former President flawed at best.  I request that the AIT and the State Department take a closer look at the legal case against the former president, and determine whether the procedures followed by the prosecution were above board, and whether the trial and judgment can be considered fair, objective and politically neutral.

I look forward to hearing from you on this important matter. Thank you very much. If you have any questions, please contact Benjamin Culver of my legislative staff.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Andrews
Member of Congress

Photo Credit: 王錦河 River Wang (Flickr)

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]]> 1073 U.S. Representative Calls Upon Secretary Of State Kerry To Take Stance On Continued Incarceration Of Chen Shui-bian https://fapa.org/u-s-representative-calls-upon-secretary-of-state-kerry-to-take-stance-on-continued-incarceration-of-chen-shui-bian-%e7%be%8e%e7%9c%be%e8%ad%b0%e5%93%a1%e5%91%bc%e7%b1%b2%e5%9c%8b%e5%8b%99%e5%8d%bf/ Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:54:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1046 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC – March 12, 2013Contact: (202) 547-3686 U.S. Representative Calls Upon Secretary Of State Kerry To Take Stance On Continued Incarceration Of Chen Shui-bian In a letter dated March 1 to United States Secretary of State John Kerry, member of the United States House of Representatives Robert Andrews (D-NJ), wrote: “I strongly […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC – March 12, 2013
Contact: (202) 547-3686

U.S. Representative Calls Upon Secretary Of State Kerry To Take Stance On Continued Incarceration Of Chen Shui-bian

In a letter dated March 1 to United States Secretary of State John Kerry, member of the United States House of Representatives Robert Andrews (D-NJ), wrote: “I strongly urge the State Department to take a stance on the treatment of former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian.”

Rep. Andrews concluded: “I believe it is the duty of the State Department, on behalf of the United States, to address Mr. Chen’s plight.”

Rep. Andrews has been a long-time and active advocate of granting medical parole to former President Chen.

For instance, in July 2012, Andrews submitted a medical report on the effects of incarceration on the mental and physical health of Chen to the co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, asking “that the distinguished Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission investigate this important case at its earliest convenience.”

He subsequently inserted the full report into the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives.

FAPA President Mark Kao Ph.D. states: “The outrage among Taiwanese Americans about the treatment of former president Chen continues to grow. It is therefore encouraging to see that our plight for medical parole for Chen is now expanding beyond the sphere of members of Congress to the United States administration.”

Current chairman of the House Asian Subcommittee former Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) stated during a Congressional hearing last year: “I think for an administration to come in and essentially jail the previous administration is a tragedy.”  Chabot said that the charges against Chen were tantamount to a “criminalization of politics,” and compared Taiwan to a “Banana Republic.”

Dr. Kao concludes: “The chorus of proponents of medical parole for President Chen continues to grow. The Ma administration must therefore act immediately and grant such medical parole to President Chen now!”

美眾議員呼籲國務卿凱瑞對陳水扁持續監禁一事表達立場

紐澤西州民主黨眾議員安德魯斯（Robert Andrews）於三月一日致函國務卿凱瑞道：「我強烈呼籲國務院，針對前台灣總統陳水扁所遭受待遇表達立場。」

安德魯斯議員總結道：「我認為國務院有義務代表美國，關切陳的境況。」

安德魯斯議員長期以來，致力於敦促准予陳前總統保外就醫。

2012年7月，安德魯斯議員提交了一份報告給眾院「湯姆˙蘭托斯人權委員會」的共同主席。該報告陳述長期監禁對陳前總統的身心健康所造成的影響。安德魯斯議員並要求「湯姆˙蘭托斯人權委員會』盡快調查此重大事件。

安德魯斯議員稍後並將此報告納入眾議院國會紀錄中。

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示：「台美人對陳前總統遭受待遇的憤怒持續高漲。如今看到呼籲准予陳前總統保外就醫的聲音已從美國國會擴展到美國政府，格外令人振奮。」

俄亥俄州共和黨眾議員、現任眾院「亞太事務小組委員會」主席夏波（Steve Chabot）在去年的一場聽證會中表示：「我認為政權輪替後，將前朝執政者下監實在是一件悲劇。」他說當局對於陳前總統的起訴是「政治犯罪化」，並將台灣比喻為「香蕉共和國」。

高博士總結道：「表達支持陳前總統保外就醫的人士越趨增加，馬政府應該即刻行動，准予陳前總統保外就醫。」

Rep. Andrews’ Letter

Mr. John Kerry
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

March 1, 2013

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I strongly urge the State Department to take a stance on the treatment of former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian. As you are aware, since November 2008, Mr. Chen was imprisoned under corruption charges and sentenced to over 17 years at Taipei Prison. While human rights activists have continually pointed out the deplorable conditions present in many of Taiwan’s prisons, there is reason to believe that Mr. Chen is receiving more severe treatment than the other prisoners. As the first elected leader from outside the Kuomintang (KMT), Mr. Chen and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) broke the 50 year power stronghold and served as a major obstacle in the KMT’s unification efforts. At the age of 61, Mr. Chen shared a tiny, damp, and sometimes ant-ridden cell without a bed or furniture of any kind. He has had several trips to the prison hospital, and was diagnosed with several critical ailments including heart problems; gastric distress; severe depression; and vascular dementia. After much hesitation, Mr. Chen was finally approved for medical parole to receive treatment at the Taipei Veterans Hospital. It is my understanding that as soon as the doctors have cleared Mr. Chen, he will be released back to prison and subject to the same conditions which caused his many ailments.

I believe it is the duty of the State Department, on behalf of the United States, to address Mr. Chen’s plight. Thank you for your consideration on this important matter; and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Andrews
Member of Congress

Photo Credit: Official Website of Department of State

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]]> 1046 International Observers Decry Ma Government Refusal To Grant Medical Parole To Former President Chen https://fapa.org/international-observers-decry-ma-government-refusal-to-grant-medical-parole-to-former-president-chen-%e5%9c%8b%e9%9a%9b%e7%a4%be%e6%9c%83%e8%ad%b4%e8%b2%ac%e9%a6%ac%e6%94%bf%e5%ba%9c%e6%8b%92/ Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:18:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1030 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC – November 21, 2012Contact: (202) 547-3686 International Observers Decry Ma Government Refusal To Grant Medical Parole To Former President Chen A number of individuals and foreign observers who have spoken out over the past several months to express their concerns over the failing health of Taiwan’s incarcerated former president, Chen Shui-bian, today […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC – November 21, 2012
Contact: (202) 547-3686

International Observers Decry Ma Government Refusal To Grant Medical Parole To Former President Chen

A number of individuals and foreign observers who have spoken out over the past several months to express their concerns over the failing health of Taiwan’s incarcerated former president, Chen Shui-bian, today strongly rebutted recent statements from Taiwanese government officials that Chen did not qualify for medical parole.

According to press reports, representatives of Taiwan’s foreign and justice ministries stated at a joint press conference in Taipei on Friday, November 16, 2012 that as a former president, “Chen Shui-bian has been provided the best living conditions and healthcare to the extent permissible by law and by the prison’s current facilities,” and that Chen “does not meet the conditions required for medical parole.”

Ma administration officials also characterized the repeated calls for medical parole for Chen by foreign officials and international organizations as resulting from a “misunderstanding” of the case.

Former U.S. Congressman Tom Tancredo, who saw the former President in Taipei on November 9, 2012, categorically rejected the ministries’ claims that Chen’s health condition had improved, saying: “I hardly recognized President Chen when I met with him in the hospital.  There is no ‘misunderstanding’ about it.”  Tancredo continued: “President Ma should resist the partisan demands of a few people on the fringe of his party, and grant President Chen medical parole.  Taiwan’s democracy should be above this kind of political score-settling.”

An American medical team that examined the former president in Taiwan in June called the government’s latest assertion regarding the adequacy of Chen’s treatment “a ludicrous exaggeration,” adding that “the limitations imposed on Chen in prison were in clear violation of the United Nations Minimum Standards for treatment of prisoners.”  The team—which included Dr. Ken Yoneda and Dr. Charles Whitcomb, both professors of medicine at the University of California, Davis—reiterated their first-hand assessment that Chen’s “substandard and inhumane” imprisonment conditions were “a major contributing factor, if not the cause of his current physical and mental problems.”

The leader of the medical team, Joseph Lin, Ph.D., further indicated that the Ma administration’s “complete disregard and rejection of conclusions and recommendations of professional medical experts regarding the physical and mental condition of the former president” was “disturbing.”  Dr. Lin pointed out: “To justify this gross miscarriage of justice and human rights, they had to be dismissive of conclusions reached by many, including former U.S. government officials, various international organizations and a member of the European Parliament.”

Mr. Hans van Baalen, leader of the Dutch Liberals in the European Parliament and President of Liberal International, also refuted the government’s contention that medical parole was not appropriate, emphasizing: “I visited former President Chen in Taipei, and I am convinced that he deserves better treatment.  A medical parole is warranted, not only for the physical and mental health of President Chen himself, but also to help Taiwan on the path towards political reconciliation.”  Van Baalen saw Chen in person during a trip to Taiwan in early November 2012.

Mark Kao, PhD, President of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs, expressed his frustration with the Ma administration’s intransigence on this issue: “It is patently clear that there is now a broad consensus, both within Taiwan and overseas, about the need for medical parole for the former President Chen.  It is inexcusable for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Justice Ministry to hide behind legalisms while blaming the press for the widespread criticism of the government’s handling of Chen’s health.”

Dr. Kao concluded: “As the Ma administration continues to drag its feet on doing the right thing and granting parole, the political divide in Taiwan will only continue to deepen, which will have a disastrous effect on Taiwan’s future as a free and democratic nation.”

國際社會譴責馬政府拒絕陳前總統保外就醫

多位在過去數月中持續發聲關心陳前總統的健康的國際人士，今天強烈譴責台灣政府官員宣稱陳前總統「不能」保外就醫一事。

據媒體報導，外交部與法務部於十一月十六日舉行的聯合記者會中宣稱：「台北監獄在法令容許範圍中，已給陳水扁監獄設施所能提供的最佳生活及健康照護。」並表示：「以陳水扁目前的病情，並不符合保外醫治的條件。」

馬政府也聲稱外國政要及國際組織持續聲援陳前總統保外就醫是因其對本案的「誤解」。

前美國眾議員譚奎多（Tom Tancredo）於十一月九日赴台北會見陳前總統，並駁斥法務部聲稱陳前總統的健康狀況已經改善的說法。他表示：「我去醫院見陳前總統時幾乎認不出他，這其中根本沒有任何『誤解』。馬總統應該要制衡少數黨內人士的要求，並准予陳前總統保外就醫。台灣的民主應凌駕於政治鬥爭之上。」

今年六月曾赴台北會見陳前總統的醫療團成員，對於台灣政府宣稱陳前總統獲得妥適的醫療照護表示其「荒唐又誇大」。他們表示監獄中的情況已經違反「聯合國囚犯待遇最低限度標準規則」。該團成員─加州大學戴維斯分校醫學教授米田謙（Ken Yoneda，音譯）醫師及查爾斯・威康（Charles Whitcomb）醫師表示他們的第一手評估認為陳前總統不合標準且不人道的監進條件間接或直接造成其身心問題。

該醫療團領隊林文約博士表示：「馬政府完全忽略專業醫療團對陳前總統身心狀況的評估，很令人憂心。為了合理化此等對正義及人權的侵害，他們已經忽略了許多前美國政府官員、國際組織要員，及一名歐洲議會議員的聲音。」

歐洲議會中的荷蘭自由派領袖及國自由聯盟主席漢斯˙凡巴倫（Hans van Baalen）議員也駁斥馬政府宣稱陳前總統不適合保外就醫的說詞。他強調：「我曾在台北見過陳前總統，而我堅信他應該獲得更好的待遇。准予保外就醫，不只是為了陳前總統的身心健康，更是促進台灣的政治和諧。」凡巴倫議員曾於本月稍早赴台灣會見陳前總統。

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士也對台灣當局的頑固表示失望：「對陳前總統保外就醫的需要，在台灣及國際間都有共識。外交部及法務部沒有理由可以躲藏於法令之後並責怪媒體抨擊政府處理此事的做法。」

高博士總結道：「馬政府若持續拖延陳前總統的保外就醫，台灣的政治分化只會更加劇烈。這對台灣自由及民主的未來會帶來災難性的影響。」

Photo Credit: 張永泰（Wikipedia Commons）

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]]> 1030 U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown Urges AIT Director Marut To Visit Former President Chen Shui-bian https://fapa.org/u-s-senator-sherrod-brown-urges-ait-director-marut-to-visit-former-president-chen-shui-bian-%e7%be%8e%e5%8f%83%e8%ad%b0%e5%93%a1%e5%91%bc%e7%b1%b2%e3%80%8c%e7%be%8e%e5%9c%8b%e5%9c%a8%e5%8f%b0/ Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:03:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1025 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC – October 24, 2012Contact: (202) 547-3686 U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown Urges AIT Director Marut To Visit Former President Chen Shui-bian In a letter dated October 23rd 2012, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called upon the Taipei-based director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chris Marut to visit former President Chen Shui-bian […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC – October 24, 2012
Contact: (202) 547-3686

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown Urges AIT Director Marut To Visit Former President Chen Shui-bian

In a letter dated October 23rd 2012, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called upon the Taipei-based director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chris Marut to visit former President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan in jail or hospital.

The Senator writes: “As you know, former President Chen Shui-bian is suffering from severe depression and is under psychiatric treatment at a Taipei Veterans General Hospital.  The recent report entitled ‘The Effects of Incarceration On the Mental and Physical Health of Former President Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan’ was drafted by a medical team […] who visited the former President in their capacity as private citizens.”

The Senator concludes: “Recent media reports from Taiwan indicate that you have expressed a willingness to visit the former President. I ask that you review the report and visit the former president at the appropriate time.”

The cited report was drafted by a medical team led by former professor Joseph Lin, Ph.D., and professors Ken Yoneda, M.D. and Charles Whitcomb, M.D., of the University of California Davis Medical Center.  It was presented on July 12 to Reps. Frank Wolf (R-VA) and James McGovern (D-MA), co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission by Reps. Robert Andrews (D-NJ) and Dan Lungren (R-CA). The full report was also inserted in the Congressional Record.

In their report, the doctors express the hope that “by presenting this report to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission a hearing will be convened, and at the same time the Commission will strongly urge President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan to grant medical parole to his predecessor on humanitarian grounds.”

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. states: “In addition to the medical problems president Chen has been facing, there are now severe psychiatric problems. Chen even has a speech impediment that is likely caused by major depression. In any democracy this would be sufficient cause for an immediate medical parole on humanitarian grounds.”

Dr. Kao concludes: “Senator Brown is a friend of President Chen, whom he has met on multiple occasions in Taiwan over the past decade. It is touching to see a U.S. Senator, despite the hectic election season, reach out across the globe to a friend in need.”

美參議員呼籲「美國在台協會」處長馬啟思探視陳水扁

俄亥俄州民主黨參議員布朗（Sherrod Brown）於十月二十三日致函設於台北的「美國在台協會」處長馬啟思，呼籲其前往台北監獄或榮總醫院探視陳前總統。

信中寫道：「前總統陳水扁先生罹患重度憂鬱症，目前在台北榮民總醫院接受心理治療。不久前，一個曾前往台北監獄探視陳前總統的私人醫療團，撰寫了一份標題為『長期囚禁對台灣前總統陳水扁身心狀況的影響』的報告。」

布朗議員總結道：「近日來，台灣媒體曾報導您有意願探視陳前總統。我請求您參閱該報告，並選擇適當時機探視陳前總統。」

該報告係由前加州大學戴維斯分校教授─林文約博士，及該校醫學中心的兩位教授─日裔的米田謙（Ken Yoneda，音譯）醫師及查爾斯•威康（Charles Whitcomb）醫師所組成的醫療團撰寫，並於七月十二日由紐澤西州民主黨眾議員安德魯斯（Robert Andrews）及加州共和黨眾議員朗格倫（Dan Lungren）聯手提交給「湯姆˙藍托斯人權委員會」共同主席─維州共和黨眾議員沃爾夫（Frank Wolf）及麻州民主黨眾議員麥高文（James McGovern）。報告全文也被納入國會紀錄。

醫療團在報告中指出他們希望藉由提交此報告，「『湯姆•蘭托斯人權委員會』可以舉行聽證會，並以委員會名義強烈呼籲台灣總統馬英九，應基於人道主義精神批准其前任執政者保外就醫。」

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示：「除了陳前總統的生理健康問題外，現在又多了心理問題。因為重度憂鬱症的因素，陳前總統甚至已經有了語言障礙。這些原因在任何民主國家中，基於人道立場，都足以促使當局准予保外就醫。」

高博士總結道：「布朗議員與陳前總統私交甚篤。過去十年間，他曾在台灣拜會過陳前總統多次。即便現在美國選舉處於白熱化的階段，看到布朗議員仍然願意對身處世界另一端的朋友伸出援手，著實令人感動。」

Sen. Brown’s Letter

Christopher Marut
Director
American Institute in Taiwan
No. 7, Lane 134
Hsin Yi Road Section 3 Taipei 106 Taiwan

Dear Mr. Marut:

Congratulations on becoming the Director of the American Institute of Taiwan.   The Director is a vital link between the United States and Taiwan.  As Taiwan continues to grow as a market-based, democratic society, America’s relationship with Taiwan is now more important than ever.

Earlier this year, the people of Taiwan held national elections, another sign of the nation’s successful transition to democratic self-governance. As advocates for human rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law around the world, it is critical that we continue to support Taiwan as it builds a society on the ideals of freedom we hold so dear.

As you know, former President Chen Shui-bian is suffering from severe depression and is under psychiatric treatment at a Taipei Veterans General Hospital.  The recent report entitled The Effects of Incarceration On the Mental and Physical Health of Former President Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan was drafted by a medical team led by former professor Joseph Lin, Ph.D., and professors of the University of California Davis Medical Center, Ken Yoneda, M.D. and Charles Whitcomb, M.D., who visited the former President in their capacity as private citizens.

Recent media reports from Taiwan indicate that you have expressed a willingness to visit the former President.

I ask that you review the report and visit the former president at the appropriate time.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown
United States Senator

Photo Credit: Marc Nozell (Flickr)

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]]> 1025 U.S. Representatives Submit Report Calling For Medical Parole For Chen Shui-bian To Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission https://fapa.org/u-s-representatives-submit-report-calling-for-medical-parole-for-chen-shui-bian-to-tom-lantos-human-rights-commission-%e7%be%8e%e7%9c%be%e8%ad%b0%e5%93%a1%e6%8f%90%e5%a0%b1%e3%80%8c%e6%b9%af/ Fri, 13 Jul 2012 22:57:00 +0000 https://fapa.org/wp/?p=1004 For Immediate ReleaseWashington DC – July 13, 2012Contact: (202) 547-3686 U.S. Representatives Submit Report Calling For Medical Parole For Chen Shui-bian To Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission On July 12, U.S. Representatives Robert Andrews (D-NJ) and Dan Lungren (R-CA) submitted a report titled: “The Effects of Incarceration On the Mental and Physical Health of Former […]

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]]> For Immediate Release
Washington DC – July 13, 2012
Contact: (202) 547-3686

U.S. Representatives Submit Report Calling For Medical Parole For Chen Shui-bian To Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

On July 12, U.S. Representatives Robert Andrews (D-NJ) and Dan Lungren (R-CA) submitted a report titled: “The Effects of Incarceration On the Mental and Physical Health of Former President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan” to the co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Reps. Frank Wolf (R-VA) and James McGovern (D-MA).

Rep. Andrews is also submitting the full report for insertion into the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives.  (For text cover note. See Appendix 2)

The report was drafted by an American medical team of private citizens consisting of Joseph Lin, Ph.D., Ken Yoneda, M.D., and Charles Whitcomb, M.D., which traveled to Taiwan to visit President Chen in jail on June 11.

The medical team’s report concluded that: “Because it is not easily predictable how much CSB’s incarceration conditions need to improve to prevent further serious physical and mental damage such as adjustment disorder or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)…medical parole is the most appropriate effective treatment intervention.”

The team further recommended: “That former president Chen Shui-bian be released from confinement on medical parole based on the above assessments, conclusion and recommendations, and on compelling humanitarian grounds.”

Team leader Dr. Joe Lin, states: “We went to Taiwan as private neutral American citizens, concerned about reports on the medical condition of President Chen, and we came back convinced that the conditions of his confinement are utterly unacceptable having caused extreme mental stress and serious medical symptoms, some potentially life threatening.  His mental state is particularly worrisome.”

Lin further emphasizes that: “as a beacon of human rights around the world, the United States should promptly intercede to help put an end to this humanitarian injustice.”

In their report, the doctors express the hope that “by presenting this report to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission a hearing will be convened, and at the same time the Commission will strongly urge President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan to grant medical parole to his predecessor on humanitarian grounds.”

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. states: “Not only Taiwanese Americans are outraged about the treatment of former president Chen, but it is clear that the deterioration in his physical and mental health is becoming disturbing to more and more members of Congress.”

Dr. Kao concludes: “Our bottom line is that in order to safeguard the welfare of the former president, prevent the deepening of social conflict in Taiwan, and preserve Taiwan’s status as a democratic, rights-respecting country, the Ma administration must act immediately to grant medical parole to president Chen.”

Recently, commenting on Chen’s continued incarceration, former co-chair of the Taiwan Caucus Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) declared during a Congressional hearing on March 28, 2012: “I think for an administration to come in and essentially jail the previous administration is a tragedy.” Chabot said that the charges against Chen was tantamount to a “criminalization of politics,” and compared Taiwan to a “banana republic.”

美眾議員提報「湯姆•蘭托斯人權委員會」呼籲批准陳水扁保外就醫

紐澤西州民主黨眾議員安德魯斯（Robert Andrews）議員及加州共和黨議員朗格倫（Dan Lungren）議員於七月十二日提出一份標題為「長期囚禁對台灣前總統陳水扁身心狀況的影響」的報告給國會「湯姆•蘭托斯人權委員會」的共同主席維州共和黨眾議員沃爾夫（Frank Wolf）議員及麻州民主黨議員麥高文（James McGovern）議員。（報告全文詳「附件一」）

安德魯斯議員也準備將該報告全文提交納入國會眾議院會議紀錄中。（提交書全文詳「附件二」）

該報告係由林文約博士、日裔的米田謙（Ken Yoneda，音譯）醫師及查爾斯•威康（Charles Whitcomb）醫師所組成的民間私人醫療團，於六月十一日赴台並於台北監獄中面會陳前總統後所草擬。

該報告總結：「要評估陳前總統的監禁環境需要改善多少，才能預防諸如適應障礙或創傷後壓力症候群（PTSD）等身心傷害並不容易，所以批准其保外就醫才是目前最妥適也最有效的處理方式。」

醫療團並建議：「有鑑於以上所列之診斷、結論及建議，並基於人道主義精神，應該准予陳前總統保外就醫。」

醫 療團領隊林博士表示：「我們幾位美國公民組成的私人醫療團，秉持著公正立場，此行訪台是因對陳前總統健康情形的擔憂。訪後我們更加肯定，他受監禁的環境導 致了他極度的心理壓力及嚴重的生理症狀，有些症狀甚至有致命的危險，而他的心理情形更是令人擔憂；這樣的環境是難以被接受的。」

林博士並強調：「美國貴為世界的人權標竿，應該要介入仲裁此事，停止人權的不公義。」

醫療團在報告中指出他們希望藉由提交此報告，「湯姆•蘭托斯人權委員會」可以舉行聽證會，並以委員會名義強烈呼籲台灣總統馬英九，應基於人道主義精神批准其前任執政者保外就醫。」

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示：「如今已不只台美人對陳前總統的待遇感到氣憤，亦有越來越多美國國會議員對他日益嚴重的身心狀況表示擔憂。」

高博士總結道：「為了維護陳前總統的身心健全，防止社會對立加劇，也為了維護台灣的民主人權制度，馬政府應該要立刻批准陳前總統保外就醫，這是我們堅持的最基本底線。」

國會台灣連線前共同主席，俄亥俄州共和黨眾議員夏波（Steve Chabot）議員於三月二十八日的一場聽證會上，針對陳前總統持續受到囚禁的情事評論道：「我認為政權輪替後，將前朝執政者下監實在是一件悲劇。」他表示當局對於陳前總統的起訴是「政治犯罪化」，並將台灣比喻為「香蕉共和國」。


Cover Note Submitting Report to Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

July 12, 2012

Dear Chairman Wolf and Chairman McGovern:

As advocates for human rights, freedom, democracy and the rule of law around the world, we hereby submit to you the attached report which was delivered to our offices, “”The Effects of Incarceration On the Mental and Physical Health of Former President Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan.””  The report was drafted by a medical team led by former professor, Joseph Lin, Ph.D., and professors of the University of California Davis Medical Center, Ken Yoneda, M.D., and Charles Whitcomb, M.D., who visited the former President in their capacity as private citizens.

As you will recall, a letter requesting the Tom Lantos Human Right Commission investigate the facts surrounding the nature of former President Chen Shui-Bian’s treatment while incarcerated was sent to the Commission in April of 2012 by Mr. Lungren.  This report should be added to the discussion as the Commission reviews that request.

ROBERT ANDREWS                       DANIEL LUNGREN
MEMBER OF CONGRESS              MEMBER OF CONGRESS

Cover Note from Rep. Robert Andrews when Inserting Report into Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, as a strong supporter of Taiwan and a founding member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I would like to bring to your attention an issue of concern to Taiwanese Americans and the people of Taiwan.

The former President of Taiwan, Mr. Chen Shui-Bian, is currently serving a 19-year prison sentence for corruption charges. He has been incarcerated for over 1,200 days thus far. Today, I am inserting into the Congressional Record a report drafted by a three-man medical team led by former professor, Joseph Lin, Ph.D., and professors of the University of California at Davis Medical Center, Ken Yoneda, M.D., and Charles Whitcomb, M.D., who visited Mr. Chen Shui-Bian in jail in Taiwan last month in their capacity as private citizens.  The report is titled, “The Effects of Incarceration on the Mental and Physical Health of Former President Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan.”

These medical professionals traveled to Taiwan in June 2012 to assess President Chen’s physical and mental condition, and to inquire into reports of inhumane living conditions and confinement.  The physicians concluded that President Chen’s imprisonment conditions are contributing to President Chen’s health problems. In their recommendations the report concludes: “Former President Chen Shui-Bian [should] be released from confinement on medical parole based on the above assessments, conclusion and recommendations, and on compelling humanitarian grounds.”

I am entering this report into the Congressional Record and, in light of the conclusions, ask that the distinguished Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission investigate this important case at its earliest convenience.

Photo Credit: 王錦河 River Wang (Flickr)

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