Statement by the Pro Bono Legal Team Regarding the Conclusion of Investigation by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office into the "Anti-CSSTA Protest Incident"

Regarding the Taipei District Prosecutors Office's announcement today on the conclusion of its investigation into the March 18 "Anti-CSSTA Protest Incident," indicting as many as 118 defendants, the pro-bono legal team issues the following statement:

1. The March 18 "Anti-CSSTA, Defend Democracy" movement, jointly initiated by students and NGO social movement groups, was a civic awakening movement against political injustice; a movement of conscience in which citizens stood up to defend Taiwan's democracy; and a civil disobedience movement of constitutional significance. History has proven that Taiwan's civil society was thoroughly transformed as a result, shaping an unprecedented civic consciousness. The pro-bono legal team affirms this movement and the righteous acts of all those indicted for participating in it in courageously bearing legal responsibility.
2. In stark contrast to today's heavy-handed prosecution of participants in the March 18 "Anti-CSSTA, Defend Democracy" movement, prosecutors have consistently failed to proactively investigate the state apparatus's acts of police brutality and abuse of power during the movement (particularly the March 24 Executive Yuan violent dispersal incident), while courts continue to pass the buck to this day. Victims of violence have yet to receive any justice through the judicial system. The pro-bono legal team deeply regrets that the prosecution authorities are bold only in prosecuting citizens participating in a righteous cause, yet cowardly when it comes to investigating the state violence exhibited by those in power.
3. Upholding the commitment made to society during the March 18 "Anti-CSSTA, Defend Democracy" movement, the pro-bono legal team will continue to assist these indicted individuals in the litigation they will face in court. We also call upon the judges of the Taipei District Prosecutors Office handling these cases to demonstrate high standing—not only establishing a sound rule of law culture through such cases, but also constantly reviewing these cases from a constitutional perspective so that the judgments reflect a profound introspective significance comparable to this movement, and through the judiciary, giving this movement a clear accounting before history!

Media Contact

JRF Executive Director / Attorney Kao Jung-chih 02-2523-1178