CHINA / Taiwan, HK, Macao
2 million may protest against Chen
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-10-10 07:16
Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to gather in Taipei
today for a rally against embattled "president" Chen Shui-bian, which
will clash with the island's "national day" celebrations.
Organizers said they expected as many as 2 million people to protest in
the square outside the "presidential" office, where the major
celebrations have also been scheduled.
"As Chen is the 'head of the state,' he will have to show up during the
celebrations," campaign spokesman Emile Sheng said. "And certainly there
won't be a better chance than this for the people to voice their anger
towards Chen Shui-bian."
Protesters were asked to wear red in a show of anger over the string of
high-profile corruption scandals implicating Chen and his family.
Chen's office urged people not to interrupt the celebrations, a move it
said would otherwise tarnish the island's image.
Campaign organizers said they had advised protesters against disrupting
the celebrations, which include an honour guard parade and are expected
to draw large crowds.
"Our target is Chen Shui-bian rather than the 'national day'
celebrations," Sheng said.
About 5,000 police are expected to patrol the square, and campaign
organizers have been asked to carry radios to ensure that communication
and order are maintained during the protest, which will be restricted to
a designated area.
"Premier" Su Tseng-chang said the rally was illegal, as the organizers
had not secured approval from the authorities, but did not urge people to
stay away.
Shih Ming-teh, a former Chen ally and also former chairman of Chen's
ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), started an island-wide protest
tour late last month to solicit more support for his campaign. The tour
ended late on Saturday in central Taichung.
Pressure has mounted on Chen to resign after he was questioned over
alleged misuse of funds intended for "state" affairs. He has denied any
wrongdoing and vowed to stay on until his second and final term ends in
May 2008.
On Friday, Taiwan's "parliament" will vote on a second recall motion
launched against Chen by the opposition People First Party (PFP).
Observers said the motion, which requires the backing of 148 "lawmakers,"
is unlikely to pass as the PFP and its Kuomintang ally hold only 112
seats.
Against this backdrop, activists announced on Sunday they were widening
their campaign to target "lawmakers" from Chen's DPP.
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