Protesters say death penalty must stay to protect children
Print Edition
SEVERAL hundred Taiwan residents rallied yesterday in support of the death penalty following the beheading of a child in a street attack that shocked the island.
Demonstrators held white roses in mourning for the 4-year-old girl murdered on March 28 near a Taipei metro station. Many wore stickers reading: “Death penalty is necessary.”
The girl’s mother tried to stop the attacker but was pushed away. Several bystanders were also unable to stop the man, who decapitated the child with a kitchen knife.
Police said the 33-year-old had previously been arrested for drug-related crimes and had sought treatment for mental illness. He was attacked by an angry mob while in custody.
The killing came less than a year after the throat of an 8-year-old girl was slit in her school restroom in Taipei. It sparked widespread public anger and fresh debate about capital punishment.
Taiwan resumed capital punishment in 2010 after a five-year hiatus. But executions are reserved for the most serious crimes, such as aggravated murder and kidnapping.
Some politicians and rights groups have called for its abolition, but opinion polls show the majority support it.
“Taiwan is not safe, so death sentences are needed to deter crimes and they should be carried out. I hope this will make our society safer for all children,” said office worker Chen Pei-chi, who took her sons aged 3 and 6 to the Taipei rally.
Wu Chiu-mei, who has a 3-year-old grandson, said: “I am really sad and angry that these random murders of children keep happening. All child-killers should be sentenced to death for hurting defenseless children and destroying their families, as losing a child is unbearable.”
In 2012 the murder of a 10-year-old boy reignited debate after the suspect reportedly said he was looking forward to free board and lodging in jail.
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