The indictment of army honor guard Chu Chao-kang (
"He is only a single soldier. How could he instigate a rebellion and carry out his idea of toppling the government? Posting his personal opinion online doesn't constitute a crime," People First Party Legislator Lu Hsueh-chang (
Chu posted a message online saying that when President Chen Shui-bian (
PHOTO: LIAO CHEN-HUEI, TAIPEI TIMES
The Ministry of National Defense confirmed that Chu, who posted the message early in March, has been indicted and that a sentence of seven years behind bars for violating the Military Criminal Code (
The ministry relieved Chu of his honor guard duties immediately after being made aware of the message he posted on the Internet.
Instead of pursuing the soldier, Lu said the should ministry investigate rumors that some military officials have gained promotions through bribery.
"It's absurd that ministry officials have paid no attention to the rumors of bribery, which have been circulating for quite a while, but has desperately tried to punish a small soldier," Lu said.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials should consider this case if they truly support freedom of speech, Lu said.
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Kao Su-po (
DPP Legislator Lee Wen-chung (
"I believe that this little boy didn't want to act on his online opinions. Considering the difference between leaving an online message and taking action, a lighter punishment should be applied in this case," Lee said.
Taiwan Solidarity Union Legislator David Huang (
"Since the indictment was based on the regulations, under which a seven-year prison term is the minimum sentence for such behavior, the prosecutor must have taken all factors into account," Huang said, referring article 16 of the Military Criminal Code.
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