TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus whip Ker Chien-ming said Friday (Feb. 16) his office will help handle the funeral arrangements for renowned human rights lawyer Chen Chun-han. This effort by Ker and his office aims to ensure Chen's life ends on a fulfilling note.
Chen, a legislator-at-large from the DPP, passed away due to complications from a cold on Feb. 11 at the age of 40. He had been living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a congenital condition. Despite these physical challenges, he earned law doctorates from the National Taiwan University, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan.
The DPP confirmed Chen's death on Feb. 15. President-elect Lai Ching-te and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim both expressed their grief publicly.
The Kuomintang (KMT) also expressed its condolences in a press release. Ker wrote on the Threads platform that despite routinely seeing life-and-death situations, he still found it hard to accept Chen's passing.
Many people have expressed shock and a sense of loss following Chen's passing, not merely for his political role but for his contributions as an exceptional human rights lawyer and champion of life in the face of adversity.
