Taiwan: Restraint urged in protests over China trade deal

The Taiwanese security forces must protect and respect human rights in any response to the hundreds of protestors that have occupied the nation’s parliament, Amnesty International said today.Approximately 200 students occupied the parliament in Taipei on Tuesday evening to protest against a proposed trade deal with China.

Roseann Rife, Amnesty’s East Asia Research Director, commented:

“The situation is clearly tense and the security forces are urged to show restraint. While police have a duty to maintain order and to protect the safety of the public, the response must only be proportionate to the threat.

“Force should only be used as a last resort and to achieve a legitimate aim. The authorities must ensure the rights of all those protesting are upheld and respected.”