Civilian court detains Hung case defendants
The China Post news staff
August 24, 2013, 12:00 am TWN
Saddened and disappointed members of Staff Sergeant Fan Tso-hsien's family leave the courthouse yesterday after the Taoyuan District Court denied bail for Fan and two other servicemen in connection with the death of Army Corporal Hung Chung-chiu. Two other defendants, Colonel Ho Chiang-chung and Major Hsu Shin-cheng, were also denied bail. (CNA)
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Taoyuan District Court yesterday had three military servicemen detained in connection with the death of Army Corporal Hung Chung-chiu, overturning the military court's previous decision to grant them bail.
The Taoyuan court ordered that Colonel Ho Chiang-chung, Major Hsu Shin-cheng and Staff Sergeant Fan Tso-hsien be detained to prevent them from fabricating evidence.
The latest ruling comes in the wake of a recent law change that has transferred all judicial authority over military personnel to civilian courts. The three had been consistently granted bail by the military court despite several appeals by Hung's family.
“The family does not consider the detention very important,” said the dead corporal's sister, Hung Tzu-yung, following the Taoyuan ruling. “It's more important to have the related parties tell the truth.”
She thanked the court, saying the panel of civilian judges was willing to listen and ask the defendants to make clarifications, which the military court had been unwilling to do.
She said her family has been anxious to see those responsible shoulder their fair share of responsibility, and those involved tell the truth.
She said the family's biggest concern is that every young man can return home safe and sound after serving in the military.
The sister and other family members looked happy upon hearing the no-bail ruling, in stark contrast to the grave looks of the three defendants and the tears of their families.
The three servicemen, who were direct superiors of Corporal Hung, were later escorted to a prison bus and transported to a detention center.
Their families declined to comment as they left the courthouse quickly.
The Army corporal died of heatstroke due to excessive physical training during disciplinary confinement in July, just three days before he was due to be discharged.
His death has sparked outrage from the family and the general public, demanding the truth behind the death and reform to the military.
Indictments have been made against several military servicemen, including Ho, Hsu and Fan, who are suspected of having bent the rules in order to teach Hung a lesson.
The case has caused Kao Hua-chu to resign as defense minister to assume political responsibility.
A massive rally in Taipei late last month forced the government to promise a law change to end military court proceedings during peace time. The Legislature has since revised the law, allowing all military personnel to be tried in civilian courts for criminal offences during peace time.
