An online database profiling victims of political persecution during Taiwan’s White Terror period was launched by the Transitional Justice Commission Feb. 26 in Taipei City.
 
Containing data from more than 410,000 pages of court martial documents, files and records, the database is the result of collaboration among Taipei-based National Human Rights Museum, National Archives Administration under the National Development Council and academics from National Cheng Kung University in the southern city of Tainan.
 
At a news conference marking the database’s public opening, acting TJC head Yang Tsui said it is the first time the public have had easy access to information on more than 10,000 victims of political prosecution in Taiwan.
 
In restoring historical truths, the initiative can help heal social divides by providing accountability for wrongdoing and space for reflection, she said, adding the database only includes information on cases that went to trial.
 
The White Terror refers to suppression and prosecution of political dissidents under martial law from May 1948 to July 1987 in Taiwan and November 1992 in outlying Kinmen and Matsu islands.
 
Promoting transitional justice and safeguarding human rights are key planks in President Tsai Ing-wen’s campaign platform. Since taking office in May 2016, the president and her administration have implemented a raft of measures to redress past injustices.
 
These include clearing victims of charges, offering compensation and passing legislation to bring the country’s related laws in line with the U.N. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. (SFC-E)
 
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