TAIPEI: Taiwan’s defence minister has resigned, the government said yesterday, following public outrage over the death of a young conscript who was allegedly abused by his officers.
Corporal Hung Chung-chiu died of heatstroke on July 4, just three days before the end of his compulsory year-long military service. His family said he was forced to do excessive exercise as punishment for taking a smartphone onto his army base.
Defence Minister Kao Hua-chu stepped down after the case triggered demonstrations outside the defence ministry this month, as well as growing allegations of abuse and misconduct in the military.
Taiwan’s Premier Jiang Yi-huah announced the resignation yesterday as part of a cabinet reshuffle he said was “aimed at responding to the general public’s expectations”. He did not elaborate on the reasons for Kao’s departure. The opposition vowed to keep pressing the government over 24-year-old Hung’s death.
“The resignation is not the point. What the people want to know is the truth,” legislator Chen Ting-fei of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) told reporters.
Both Kao and President Ma Ying-jeou, whose approval ratings have plummeted in recent months, have apologised for the tragedy, vowing to investigate the case and punish those responsible.
Four military officials have been detained on abuse charges in connection to Hung’s death, and punitive measures have been taken against another 26, but the measures have failed to appease public anger.AFP
