Taiwan Dissident
- Share via
The ruling authority in Taiwan has once again exposed itself to ridicule by barring a prominent Taiwanese political leader from returning to his native country. For the second time in a week, Hsu Hsin-Liang, hoping to end his seven-year exile, was prevented from going home (Dec. 3, “Taiwan Again Blocks Return of Dissident”).
It is understandable that a country has the sovereign power to refuse entry of foreign visitors. However, no government should deny the right of a citizen to return to his homeland, especially when this person still possesses his passport. If a citizen breaks the law, the government can follow proper legal proceedings to prosecute him in court.
It is absurd for the Taiwanese government to proclaim Hsu Hsin-Liang “wanted for treason” on one hand, and on the other hand, force him to take a flight leaving Taiwan when he turns himself in at an airport in Taiwan. The Taiwanese government’s eagerness to usher Hsu away indicates one of two things: either the ruling authority does not have sufficient legal grounds to prosecute him, or the government fears the public’s reaction to Hsu’s arrest.
JOHN YU
La Jolla
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
