But the magazine's publisher and its staff took the government's leniency for weakness and decided to start open insurrection at a time when the Chinese communist regime is doing everything possible to explore any vulnerability it can find in free China.
The magazine staff deliberately chose Dec. 10 to stage the rally in free China, nominally in commemoration of Human Rights Day, because it was the first day of the annual winter security alert.
Two days after the [Dec. 10] incident, officials of the magazine still stood in defiance threatening to repeat the riot in Taipei on Dec. 16.
Faced with the situation, the government was compelled to act. People in the Republic of China on Taiwan reacted to the crackdown with jubilation; they know that failure to act would mean anarchy and the doom of the country.
Dec. 18, 1979
Taiwan government radio, monitored by the BBC.
Excerpts from commentary, "The maintenance of law and order"
"On the 10th of this month, staff at the Kaohsiung office of the Formosa magazine started a bloody riot under the pretext of hosting a gathering for human rights. Even in democratic countries, behavior such as assaulting police and ruining public order are by no means `democratic.' This is called `mobocracy,' and should be condemned by anyone who favors democracy."
China Times
Dec. 13, 1999
Members of the Formosa magazine held a press conference yesterday, trying to shift the blame for the riot in Kaohsiung, saying the police should not have tried to halt the illegal parade.
It is a shameless lie that underestimates the intelligence of the public.
Central Daily News
Dec. 13, 1979
For a society seeking stability and prosperity, the riots and violent behavior shown by the people of the Formosa magazine are undoubtedly a destabilizing threat. Apart from feeling the pain of its consequences, the media, the government, and the general public should reflect on and evaluate what happened."
United Daily News
Editorial, Dec. 12, 1979
The unfortunate incident that occurred in a crowded district of Kaohsiung City on the evening of the 10th, when Formosa magazine staff attacked security personnel, not only cast a shadow on the normally peaceful and quiet city, but the behavior also proved that the magazine was a lawless organization. They deserve the public and private condemnation and contempt they have received.
China Times
Dec. 12, 1979
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