Taichung Metro stabbing reignites death penalty discussions

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's newly appointed Justice Minister Cheng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙) addressed the contentious issue of capital punishment on Wednesday (May 22).

Cheng's comments came in response to the shocking stabbing incident on the Taichung Metro the previous day, which left two passengers injured, including a 17-year-old student who is fighting for his life in intensive care. This incident has reignited public debate over the deterrent effect of the death penalty.

Capital Punishment Debate Resurfaces

The violent episode on Tuesday has stirred a significant uproar among the public and on social media, with many discussing the effectiveness of the death penalty in deterring such heinous crimes. This has once again brought the debate on the abolition of capital punishment into the spotlight.

When questioned about the issue, Cheng was reluctant to elaborate but highlighted that the ministry's position was clearly expressed during the constitutional court's oral arguments.

Awaiting Constitutional Court's Decision

Cheng further emphasized the gravity of the death penalty, noting that it is currently under constitutional review. He stated that executing the death penalty is a serious matter, and with 37 death row inmates having filed for extraordinary appeals, the legal process must be fully observed until the constitutional court delivers its verdict.

This statement underscores the complexity of the issue and the legal procedures that must be followed before any final decision is made.

As Taiwan grapples with the aftermath of the Taichung Metro attack and the broader implications for its justice system, the nation awaits the constitutional court's ruling on the future of the death penalty. This decision will not only impact the 37 death row inmates but also shape the country's approach to crime and punishment in the years to come.