A vocal critic of government plans to loosen restrictions on US pork imports, has accused the government of suppressing freedom of speech.
Dr. Su Wei-shuo has spoken against plans to allow imports of US pork containing the additive ractopamine beginning in January. Su has said that the feed additive is unsafe for human consumption. He has also accused the government of turning a blind eye to individual health.
He has since been charged with spreading false information. He will be questioned by police next week, and could face up to three years in prison if found guilty of the charges. The government says its decision to allow in pork treated with ractopamine is based on international standards and scientific evidence.
On Thursday, the Cabinet responded to Su’s accusation that the government has suppressed his freedom of speech, saying that freedom of speech is not tantamount to freedom to spread rumors.