Opinion | Verdict in corporal's death yet another blow to Ma Ying-jeou
Light sentences rekindle anger with government and its failure to satisfy to public expectations
The relatively light sentences against 13 military officers over their roles in the high-profile death of a detained army corporal have triggered public outrage in Taiwan as expected.
On Friday, 13 of 18 defendants implicated in the death of Hung Chung-chiu were handed jail sentences of between three to eight months. The ruling angered Hung's family and rights groups on the island, and drove deeper the wedge between the public and the administration of the island's president, Ma Ying-jeou.
Hung, 24, died of multiple organ failure on July 4 after being forced to undergo solitary confinement and consecutive days of drills at a military detention centre. Hung's superiors claimed that he had violated military rules by bringing a camera-equipped mobile phone on base.
But initial findings by the Defence Ministry showed Hung should have been given only administrative punishment - not military detention - for the violation.
Even if detention was justified, he should not have been forced to perform physical drills in the severe heat and humidity, according to the ministry.
Perhaps Taiwanese authorities should consider adopting the jury system
His death immediately drew wide public attention followed by a series of protests. Hung's family came forward to accuse the military of punishing him in a manner that resulted in his death.