Taiwan Dissident
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
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