22 Mar 2001

gay group campaign for rights in taiwan

Gay rights groups have mounted a campaign to condemn the violation of human rights during an investigation into the death of a university student.

Gay rights groups in Taiwan have condemned the police department and the media for violating the rights of a university student during an investigation into his death in February after his body was found in a suitcase left in front of a temple in southern Taipei, reported the Taipei Times.

The chairman of the Taiwan Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Association , Jan Jin-yen said the campaign was launched to protest against the voyeuristic nature of the media reports that included Lin's personal online correspondence and sensational depictions of his sexual orientation.

In an interview with the Taipei Times, Jan who is also the organiser of the campaign said, "They [the police] should not have leaked information to the media or given out personal information about the suspect or victim. They showed no regard for the privacy of those involved."

He added, they said that they have received "overwhelming" support, from the gay community as well as the general public.

The police arrested a 24-year-old computer engineer Liao Chien-kai three weeks after the gruesome find, who eventually confessed that Lin died during a violent sex act.

Taiwan