Former DPP Chairman Shih Ming-teh (施明德) passed away at 83 from liver cancer at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital on Monday morning. President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) visited Shih on Sunday and, upon hearing of his passing, expressed that she is deeply saddened and gave her condolences to the family.
The former chairman participated in the democratic movement, promoting the concepts of freedom and democracy, and challenged the party-state system during the authoritarian period. He advocated for the lifting of party bans, newspaper control, martial law, and the “ten-thousand-year congress.” Shih was also imprisoned after Formosa Magazine, which he headed, held a Human Rights Day demonstration promoting and demanding democracy in Taiwan. He served as chairman of the DPP after he was released from prison.
Presidential Office spokesperson Lin Yuchan (林聿禪) emphasized that Shih was deeply concerned with the development of Taiwanese society throughout his life and was a pioneer of human rights and democracy in Taiwan. She said that future generations will appreciate his dedication and contribution to Taiwan.