Sun, Apr 11, 2004 - Page 1 News List

Rallies turn violent: Ma takes action

CROWD CONTROL What had been a large, peaceful protest turned into a angry demonstration as pan-blue supporters attacked the barricade on Ketagalan Blvd

By Huang Tai-lin and Joy Su  /  STAFF REPORTERS

"We are not here to push this cause out of personal interest ... but to be the guardian angels of Taiwan's democracy," Lien told the crowd.

"The Republic of China does not need to cultivate a new dictator," Lien said.

Saying Chen was oblivious to the appeals of the people, Lien in his speech proposed holding a referendum to form an independent task force.

"Until the truth is known, Chen should not take part in the presidential inauguration on May 20," said Soong, who spoke after Lien. Soong called on the crowd to come back and gather at the square in front of the Presidential Office on May 19 if Chen insisted on holding the presidential inauguration -- as required by law -- before "the truth is revealed."

"No truth, no president!" Soong shouted, leading the crowd in chanting the slogan.

The alliance claimed the demonstration had drawn over 200,000 people, but wire agencies reported the police as saying 80,000 people attended the rally.

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