Shih questioned over his role in October protest

Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Shih Ming-teh (施明德) was questioned by prosecutors yesterday for his role in leading a protest that ended in a scuffle with the police last October.

The initiator of the campaign aimed at deposing President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), Shih led thousands of protesters in staging a rally around Taipei Railway Station on Oct. 10.

He later led them in a parade along Zhongxiao W Road before the protesters were dispersed by members of the Taipei City Police Department in the early hours of Oct. 11.

Prosecutors said that Shih and 18 other individuals violated the Assembly and Parade Law (集會遊行法).

The organizers of the protest on Double Ten failed to seek permission from the Taipei City Government and should take responsibility for the conflict that ensued, the prosecutors said.

Other suspects would be questioned soon, the prosecutors added.

Shih had enclosed himself in an apartment since Dec. 6 after announcing an end to the months-long anti-Chen campaign.

"I am glad that prosecutors gave me the chance to leave my room and enjoy the sunshine," Shih told reporters in front of the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office yesterday after answering the prosecutors' summons.

Shih, sporting a beard and long hair, said he had not left the room since December.

"I am writing a book about Taiwanese politics and the anti-Chen campaign and hope to publish the book in a few months," he said.