Independent legislator Lo Fu-chu (羅福助), who was suspended from office for six months on Tuesday, has announced he will donate his salary during the suspension period to women who were forced into sexual slavery for the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
Lo, accompanied by New Party caucus leader Hsieh Chi-ta (
The suggestion that he make the donation came from Hsieh, who used to work closely with Lo in pushing for the passage of bills and has maintained friendly relations with the notorious independent lawmaker.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
Wang, in receiving the money on behalf of the women, said she is looking at the donation in a positive way even though she personally disapproves of Lo's violent outburst against People First Party legislator Diane Lee (
"It's taxpayers' money anyway. We are pleased that the money can be used properly to restore human dignity," Wang said.
Wang also said some of the money will be used as a support fund for survivors living under financial constraints, and that the remaining money will be used to fund continuing legal action in pursuit of compensation for the survivors.
Two former comfort women present at the meeting yesterday thanked Lo for the donation, although they said they had no idea who he was.
Wang, an advocate of the United Nations' campaign for a peaceful and non-violent society, said she hopes in the future that Lo will struggle for a more peaceful and non-violent Taiwan.
During the meeting, Hsieh repeatedly advised Lo to apologize to Lee, saying the act of assault is wrong whatever provocation Lo might have had.
Lo, who has declined to apologize personally to Lee since the assault, remained tight-lipped on Hsieh's advice, but claimed he had offered an apology quite a few times.
The Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation (
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