Unfortunately, the Minister of Justice signed an order for the execution of Chung earlier this month.
This exposed weak points in the government's policy to gradually eliminate the use of the death penalty.
Many countries with the death penalty adhere to strict additional procedures to ensure a fair trial and sentence, since an executed prisoner cannot be brought back to life.
But the procedure for the judgment and signing of Chung's order of execution had serious procedural flaws.
In addition, the government has yet to lay the foundations necessary for abolishing the death penalty.
Information on capital punishment is inadequately disseminated, as is proven by the necessity to write this article.
Taiwan could use a moratorium on executions to focus attention and spurn a policy debate, and the government could provide a buffer period before executions and provide special care for the victim's family.
These steps are not only the focus of the EU and the international community, but they will also be examined at next year's World Conference Against the Death Penalty to be held in Paris.
The concern that the EU has expressed about Taiwan naturally is meant to apply pressure, but behind the pressure are well-intentioned expectations and friendly reminders.
Chung has filed a special appeal, and the Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty is calling for a ruling by the Council of Grand Justices on the constitutionality of the death penalty.
This is the perfect time for the Taiwanese people to reflect carefully and debate the abolition of the death penalty.
This is not only a question of whether we want to catch up with the rest of the world.
More important is the reflection and consideration that a civilized society must undertake when facing the death penalty issue.
Many Taiwanese regard the US and Japan as role models -- two of the 22 countries that executed prisoners last year.
Their self-reflection and debate on the death penalty is far more vibrant than ours.
In comparison, isn't Taiwan a little too utilitarian, closed-minded and numb?
Peter Huang is a member of the Executive Committee of the Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty.
Translated by Jason Cox
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