228 Symbiosis Music Festival: Overturning the Judiciary and Blooming Democracy
Last edited: 2026-07-27
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Although Taiwan has gradually transitioned from authoritarian rule to democracy since the 1980s, the "judiciary" has never "comprehensively" confronted the mistakes it committed. The judiciary's long-standing neglect of transitional justice for political prisoners and individuals subjected to wrongful trials in courts during the authoritarian era is one of the reasons for the public's widespread distrust in the judiciary. The long-standing failure of judicial organs to confront their past mistakes has hindered the democratization of Taiwan's judiciary.
A judiciary worthy of public trust requires more than institution-building and supervising the removal of unfit judges and prosecutors; it must also actively reflect on past mistakes, comprehensively review past judicial systems and even the personal conduct of individual judges and prosecutors, and clarify the relationship between the judiciary, judicial officers, and the people.
In addition, individuals mistreated within the judicial system may have suffered at the hands of persons other than judges and prosecutors, yet such acts have been shielded by the judiciary. The judiciary we pursue is not one where judges and prosecutors never make mistakes. To err is human; only by confronting past mistakes, restoring the truth, and holding people appropriately accountable can we truly reflect when mistakes happen in the future. A judiciary incapable of reflection is not merely a matter of individual failure, but the result of the entire judicial system's long-standing neglect of judicial democratization. Only by reviewing the judicial errors of the authoritarian era can we allow the future of democracy to bloom.
Taipei Booth
The Taipei booth will recount the history of the judiciary acting as a henchman for the authoritarian regime during the 228 Incident, the touching stories of judicial workers of that era who adhered to their principles and defied the authoritarian regime, and the tragic stories of those who suffered as a result, thereby conveying our ideals of judicial transitional justice. We combine the dark past of the 228 Incident with pink roses representing a gentle revenge, symbolizing that "from the wounds of the judiciary, the flowers of democracy shall bloom." You are cordially invited to participate.
- Time: Sunday, 2/28, 13:00-19:00
- Location: Ketagalan Boulevard, in front of the Presidential Office
- Organizer: Symbiosis Music Festival
Taichung Booth
Through engaging and fun mini-games, the Taichung booth will help everyone understand Taiwan's judicial dilemma and the necessity of transitional justice. Combined with hand-made treats by our volunteers—including "Hou~ the 228 You Didn't Know" black tea and coffee, "Not Guilty, We Are All Free Men" original panna cotta, "Passionate Taiwan" cocoa panna cotta, and "Judicial Oasis" matcha panna cotta—we look forward to everyone joining in the fun.
- Time: Sunday, 2/28, 13:00-21:00
- Location: Taichung Citizen Square
(Park on Kung Yi Road, Taichung City, directly opposite the main entrance of Park Lane by CMP) - Organizer: Central Taiwan Symbiosis Youth Association
This article is an AI-generated translation of the original Chinese text. In the event of any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.