Should `Wolf' be let out of cage?

Although the Ministry of Justice declined the parole application by a serial rapist again on Friday, some members of the public seem to think the authorities should give him another chance.

The rapist, surnamed Yang (楊), was convicted eight years ago on seven charges of theft and 27 counts of rape for his attacks on female college students in Taipei City's Shihlin and Peitou areas. He was dubbed "Hwakang Wolf" by the media.

The local media has never revealed his first name since the issue created a stir two years ago. Concern for human rights is often cited for the reason for this practice, although Yang's full name is already a matter of public record.

Yang took the Joint College Entrance Exam in the summer of 2001 and gained admission to the Sociology Department at National Taiwan University (NTU).

His first parole application two years ago triggered controversy about whether the authorities should open the doors to let him attend NTU.

However, for the past two years his parole has been rejected due to fears that he could pose danger to the public.

Since this year will be his last chance to become a NTU student, the public seems to sympathize with his situation and some have called for him to be given a chance.

According to related educational regulations, if Yang again fails to attend classes this year, he will have to take the entrance exam again if he hopes to gain admission to any university in the country.

"School begins in September. Although he was rejected again, he is still allowed to apply for parole in four months. I think he still has a chance to make it," said Huang Cheng-nan (黃徵男), director of the justice ministry's Department of Corrections (矯正司).

Taipei City Councilor Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青), who is also an activist for womens-rights, said that Yang's rights should not be sacrificed -- if he really completes the rehabilitation program, has been dealt the punishment he deserves and if he earns official endorsement for the parole.

"The question of letting him return to society is not an easy decision to make," Hsu said. "However, the question of whether or not he is truly rehabilitated is what concerns me the most."

Hsu said that for Yang' victims, the "Hwakang Wolf" is like a landmine -- fears about him will always exist. However, it would be impossible to keep Yang behind bars forever.

"If experts say he is ready to return to society, I think we should give him a chance," Hsu said.

"However, to safeguard his human rights and allay victims' fears at the same time, I would suggest that the authorities assign him a guardian who can help him and make sure that he does not commit crimes or attack women again," Hsu said.

Sandy Yeh (葉毓蘭), the director of the Continuing Education and Training Center at the Central Police University, said that it is not fair for people who do not know Yang to judge whether or not he should be paroled and allowed to go to school.

Yeh said that statements by members of the rehabilitation committee -- experts who worked with Yang and observed him constantly -- ?should be highlighted during the review of his parole application. Any other opinions or judgments would not be fair to Yang, she said.

"For me, whether or not Yang needs a chance to be paroled so he can go to college is not the issue we should worry about.