TAIWAN: Amnesty International welcomes acquittal of 3 death row inmates

JANUARY 16, 2003 - Amnesty International issued a statement yesterday welcoming the release of 3 death row inmates who have been acquitted by the Taiwan High Court of all charges brought against them for the murder of a couple 11 years ago.

 The 3 men, known as the "Hsichih Trio, " are Su Chien-ho, Liu Ping-lang and Chuang Lin-hsun. They were cleared of all charges of robbery, murder and rape after the court ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove that the men were involved in the 1991 double murder.

 Amnesty International's head office in London noted in the statement that it has campaigned for the release of the 3 men for some time, while pointing out the potential for injustice that the death penalty has.

 "We welcome the release of the 'trio' as there were grave doubts surrounding their conviction. We hope that there won't be a challenge by the prosecution and that there will be a call for a thorough and independent investigation into allegations that they were tortured, "the human rights group said.

Amnesty International also expressed the hope that the case will highlight the irreversible nature of the death penalty if carried out.

 The group said it hopes "Taiwan will take steps to join the increasing number of countries outlawing the death penalty and be a role model for the rest of Asia."

 Although the 3 men have been set free, they still face restrictions on where they may live and are not allowed to leave Taiwan as prosecutors are still considering whether to appeal the Taiwan High Court ruling.