Military penal act amended by ROC Legislature

2015-04-23

Amendments to the Act of Punishment of the Armed Forces were approved April 21 by the ROC Legislature, putting in place reforms aimed at enhancing military discipline within a more humane framework.

Under the bill, confinement cells will be less severe places, with the maximum number of detention days cut from 30 to 15. In addition, personnel sentenced to such punishment can appeal to the civilian courts. The amendment also stipulates that appellants cannot be discriminated against or punished for such an act.

The Ministry of National Defense welcomed the changes, expressing gratitude to legislators for their tireless efforts in improving conditions for the nation’s military personnel. “Safeguarding human rights while maintaining the highest level of discipline are of the utmost importance to the ROC armed forces in the 21st century and beyond.”

Other measures contained in the amendments include demotion and rank reduction for officers; discipline, dismissal and rank reduction for noncommissioned officers; as well as salary cuts for enlisted personnel. These steps can be taken against those found guilty of violating military code, as well as committing drunken driving, sexual abuse and harassment.

Revisions to the act were drafted after the death of 24-year-old Cpl. Hung Chung-chiu July 4, 2013, in Taoyuan City during his confinement by the army for carrying a camera-equipped cellphone.

Due for discharge from service two days later, Hung underwent extreme physical drills before collapsing of heatstroke, calling into question the issue of abuse of power in the military’s discipline system.

The amended bill will take effect after President Ma Ying-jeou signs it into law in the near future.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=229615&CtNode=413)