We call your attention to the wave of mass arrest of democratic movement leaders in Taiwan. The crackdown followed a rally commemorating Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, sponsored by members of the democratic movement. More than 65 prominent leaders have been arrested. They are publishers, novelists, ministers, candidates for election to the Central Government, and including Ms. Lu Hsiu-lien, a Harvard Law School alumni. Most are charged with sedition-punishable by from 15 years imprisonment up to death. The scope of arrest and the severity of the charges indicate the intention of the Taiwan government to use this opportunity to stamp out once and for all the democratic movement in Taiwan.

The Opposition Platform

The democratic movement has urged the Nationalist Chinese authority to end the 30-year old martial law, to release political prisoners, to allow greater press freedom, and to allow the opposition to form a party. The objectives of Taiwan's democratic movement are in agreement with American ideals of a free and democratic society. The arrests of the opposition leaders should thus be strongly protested.

The Taiwan Relations Act

In the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8) it is stated that "...the preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all people in Taiwan are hereby affirmed as objectives of the United States". We suggest that, in the spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. Government should take immediate steps to prevail upon the governing authority in Taiwan to release the members of the democratic opposition. If the Taiwan authority decides not to release the opposition leaders, then the United States should consider suspension of the $280 million arms sale to Taiwan.

An Open Letter to Fellow Americans-from Linda Arrigo, wife of an arrested political dissident Our Actions

We hope that you agree with us that peace and stability in Taiwan can only be achieved if the people of Taiwan can express their opinions fully and freely. We are launching a petition campaign and we will be at Harvard Square this weekend. Please help by signing the petition.