As the repatriation process drags on, the detainees have become victims twice over -- first of the people-smuggling rings and then of the political tensions across the strait.
"We hope that both sides can put politics aside and take care of these women's rights. They should be seen as victims of people-smuggling, not just golddiggers coming to Taiwan. All they want is to be sent back as soon as possible," Chen said.
"Last week, I called my father in Fujian and he told me he worried about me a lot and felt that he has become much older. I feel really sad," Xiaohui said with tears falling from her eyes.
Taking the lunch boxes back from the kitchen to her cell, Xiaohui passed the gate over which a slogan reads: "Freedom, Democracy and Equal Distribution of Wealth."
Ironically, Xiaohui has seen little of those in her Taiwan experience.
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