NSB to take action against Oct. 10 disturbances

Shi made the remarks amid reports that anti-President Chen Shui-bian protesters are preparing to disrupt the Double Ten celebrations as they did last year.

Shi said the public’s freedom of speech in a democratic society will be respected as long as they do not interfere with the progress of the celebrations. If others’ security is jeopardized, however, resolute action will be taken, he went on.

Asked about contingency measures if someone unfurls banners in front of President Chen, Shi said that would be construed as jeopardizing the security of the nation’s leader and disrupting the progress of celebrations, and therefore would not be permissible.

Legislator Ho Ming-hao of the opposition Taiwan Solidarity Union asked if the NSB has any information concerning possible anti-Chen “red shirt” protests this year.

Shi responded that the information so far is that the protesters will take some “sporadic” action, but as there is still some time to go before Double Ten day, the NSC will continue to monitor the situation.

Legislator Kao Chien-chih of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) asked about security measures to protect the president, to which Shi responded that sharpshooters will be deployed on high buildings near the Presidential Office and there will also be anti-assassination measures in place.

The NSC has done everything possible, Shi said, although he declined to go into detail, saying only that he is confident of maintaining law and order on the day.

The “red shirt” protesters in the “Million Voices Against Corruption” campaign staged several large sit-ins and rallies in September 2006 that climaxed in a demonstration Oct. 10 during which tens of thousands surrounded the Presidential Office and the president’s official residence to demand the resignation of Chen, whose family and close aides are involved and have been indicted over a series of corruption cases.

During the Double Ten rallies last year, opposition legislators lending support to the campaign flashed the “thumbs down” gesture of the campaign and unfurled banners to demand Chen’s ouster while he was addressing the rally.

Their actions invoked angry responses from the DPP legislators sitting next to them and brief scuffles broke out.

The campaign, initiated by former DPP Chairman Shih Ming-teh, petered out at the end of 2006.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email