NHRM marks anniversary of martial law abolition

2015/07/17

Memorials marking the 28th anniversary of the lifting of martial law in the ROC were held by the National Human Rights Museum July 15 in Tainan and New Taipei cities, commemorating the nation’s journey toward democracy.

As part of the events, documentary film “White Terror Through the Lens” profiling the lives of 19 White Terror victims under martial law (1949-1987) premiered at Jing-mei Human Rights Memorial and Cultural Park in New Taipei, while “A Jail Beyond the Prison Walls,” a three-volume book of stories recounted by 69 women living through loss of family members and persecution during the era, was launched at National Museum of Taiwan Literature in Tainan.

“Both projects underscore the government’s continued efforts to preserve firsthand accounts of the period and save historical truths from oblivion,” said Wang Yi-chun, director of the NHRM Preparatory Office.

“Transitional justice is an ongoing process of redressing past wrongs, in which restoring history plays a critical role. We must all get on with it to ensure the development of human rights in Taiwan.”

Several of the women featured in the book were present at the Tainan event. Li Jin-ji, whose father was incarcerated for six years under martial law, said Taiwan society generally showed tremendous warmth in supporting the victims’ families.

“After his release, my father repaid this kindness by starting a company and hiring other prisoners of conscience, offering a means of re-establishing a normal life. I always admire his courage and integrity for carrying out the task.”

Materials related to both projects, including historical documents, oral accounts and video interviews, are available online for public access, Wang said, adding that the NHRM is committed to furthering the initiative to ensure the mistakes of the past are never repeated.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=232664&ctNode=413)