A recall group leader taken in for questioning over possible fraud is facing widespread backlash after wearing a Nazi armband, bearing a copy of “Mein Kampf”, and performing a Nazi salute in public. His actions have been condemned by many members of the public, the Foreign Ministry, and the Taipei City Mayor.
Sung Chien-liang (宋建樑), the KMT leader for the recall movement of DPP Legislator Lee Kuen-cheng (李坤城), was asked to report for questioning over a suspected fraud case involving false signatures. Arriving at the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office Tuesday, he displayed multiple Nazi symbols apparently meant to satirize the “authoritarian DPP”, according to a statement by KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫). Chu also claimed that people have begun referring to the DPP as “green communists” in opposition to the DPP-led recalls of KMT Legislators. Upon leaving the district prosecutors' office later, Sung reportedly was without the armband and seemed to be hiding the book under his jacket.
The Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Sung’s actions, calling them “extremely inappropriate [ways] of expressing personal opinion”. The ministry reiterates that, while Taiwan is a free, democratic country, with the constitutional right to freedom of expression, people should think more critically about the connotations and pain associated with Nazi symbolism. It remind the people that Nazi party symbols are hated in most countries, including Taiwan, with their use explicitly banned in many other countries– calling on the public to avoid hurting Taiwan’s image internationally.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) also condemned the incident, stressing that such inappropriate behavior stating that there is no place for such actions, regardless of intent.
The Foreign Ministry adds that it hopes the Taiwanese people will join the government in actively showing empathy for different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups, and work together to realize a brighter, more inclusive future.