Premier Jiang Yi-huah today instructed Minister without Portfolio Luo Ying-shay to form a task force to oversee the Ministry of National Defense's (MND) review of its disciplinary and appeals systems, following the death of army conscript Hung Chung-chiu under suspicious circumstances.
Hung died July 4 on a military base after performing intense physical exercises in sweltering heat as part of disciplinary action imposed on him. Premier Jiang said the tragedy has tarnished the MND's reputation and sparked a wave of anger across Taiwan.
"When people begin to distrust the military system, it will hurt future recruitment efforts. Clearly this is not the issue of one individual but a matter of national security," he said.
When the case initially surfaced, Premier Jiang demanded that the MND submit a report and punish those responsible for the death. The situation did not end there, however, as questions from the family and public grew and military investigators found the case to be more complex than first thought. Widespread speculation and sensational media reports have also fueled the outcry.
"President Ma has asked the MND to work with the Ministry of Justice in the investigation," said Premier Jiang. "The Criminal Code of the Armed Forces provides for an independent judicial system, and the government will get to the bottom of the case to give an answer to the Hung family and the public."
Jiang said the government will determine the facts, prosecute and punish responsible parties, possibly compensate the family, and most importantly, examine and reform the system. The Executive Yuan's task force was established today for this reason and as a response to suggestions from the judicial community.