Premier: Respect for Judicial Yuan’s death penalty review

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Chen Chien-jen on Monday (April 22) emphasized the importance of the separation of powers in Taiwan's Constitution, stating that the Executive Yuan fully respects the Judicial Yuan's interpretation on whether the death penalty is unconstitutional.

"The decisions made by the Judicial Yuan should be given the highest respect," Chen said.

The Constitutional Court is set to debate the issue on Tuesday (April 23), with a ruling expected in July. The outcome will determine the future of the death penalty in Taiwan.

Chen reiterated that Taiwan is a mature, free, democratic, and rule-of-law country. He stressed that the separation of powers is the most important provision of the Constitution, and the Judicial Yuan has the authority to interpret whether a law is unconstitutional.

Under the constitutional system, the decisions of the Judicial Yuan should be given the utmost respect, Chen said. He expressed confidence that the Judicial Yuan will carefully consider all opinions to make the most appropriate interpretation.