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PRC dissident threatens to sue for refugee status

A Chinese dissident threatened to sue the government yesterday if it continues to ignore his demand for citizenship or political asylum.

“Based on the Republic of China [ROC] Constitution, I am part of the ROC population and therefore I have the right to be treated like one of its citizens,” said Cai Lujun (蔡陸軍), a former fisherman who was smuggled into Taiwan last summer. Cai was incarcerated for six months before he was granted a temporary entry permit.

“I don’t ask for much, I just want to be treated like a human being,” he said, adding that he would consider suing the government for neglecting the welfare of one of its citizens.

Legal experts, however, said that Cai would be wasting his time, as even though the Constitution says the nation’s territory includes China, the government only has jurisdiction over Taiwan and its offshore islets.

Cai and fellow Chinese dissident Wu Yalin (吳亞林), who absconded last December from his tour group, said they would continue a hunger strike until either their demands had been met or they were “taken away to a hospital.”

Both men said they came to Taiwan seeking freedom and democracy because of the political oppression in China.

The nation has no refugee law and therefore does not grant political asylum. The government can, however, grant a temporary visa and a small monthly stipend.

Without citizenship or permanent residency, however, the two men cannot seek employment or apply for a local cellphone number and are not eligible for national health insurance.

“I can’t even go to school. I have zero options,” Cai said after he was taken to a police station for protesting in front of the Presidential Office yesterday.

Cai and Wu were detained for three hours then released.

The Mainland Affairs Council did not immediately respond to Cai and Wu’s demand, but said the government had been assisting them.
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