Premier Jiang Yi-huah called Friday for student-led protestors to demonstrate the "democratic principles" of peacefulness and rationality as they prepare for a Sunday rally against the trade-in-services pact with China.
Speaking at a press conference, Jiang said the government respects the people's right to express their opinions but hopes organizers will be responsible and end the rally outside the Presidential Office at the appropriate time. Jiang said police have been instructed to exercise restraint as they maintain order.
Hundreds of students have occupied Taiwan's legislature since March 18 in protest against a cross-strait trade-in-services agreement that was signed between Taiwan and China in June. They argue the agreement was signed and went through a legislative review without sufficient transparency.
A smaller group broke into the Cabinet building a few blocks away on the night of March 23 but was removed during a massive police operation that left over 100 protesters and police officers injured. Protesters accused police of using excessive force in the operation, which involved the use of batons, shields and water cannons.