New Taipei, Taiwan – Tsai Kuan-yu, a prominent victim of Taiwan’s White Terror period and lifelong advocate for human rights, was posthumously honored with a presidential citation on Saturday. The ceremony, held in New Taipei, celebrated Tsai’s unwavering dedication to promoting transitional justice and human rights during his lifetime.
Award Presented to Tsai’s Family
At the memorial event, Tsai’s children, Tsai Heng-yi, Tsai Yi-lun, and Tsai Yi-tsen, received the presidential citation certificate from Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun. The citation recognized Tsai’s life of resilience and his significant contributions to shaping Taiwan’s human rights landscape.
The citation reads, “Tsai devoted his life to defending the values of freedom and human rights, serving as an exemplar for all.” It also commended his instrumental role in the passage of the Act on Promoting Transitional Justice in 2017 and the establishment of the National Human Rights Museum in Taiwan in 2018. These landmark efforts contributed greatly to the government’s ongoing work to address the wrongs committed during the White Terror era.
Tsai’s Efforts in Transitional Justice and Human Rights
Tsai Kuan-yu’s activism focused on uncovering the truth behind state-sanctioned wrongdoings during the White Terror period, which lasted from 1949 to 1992. Under the Kuomintang (KMT) government, this era was marked by severe political repression, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and executions. Tsai’s advocacy led to the eventual establishment of the National Human Rights Museum, which serves as a symbol of Taiwan’s commitment to acknowledging past injustices and preserving the memory of those affected by the political repression.
A Life Marked by Injustice and Advocacy
Born on February 5, 1933, in Taipei, Tsai’s life was deeply impacted by the White Terror. In 1957, he was arrested and imprisoned for six months after protesting the government’s handling of the Liu Zi-ran incident, where a Taiwanese national was killed by a U.S. military officer. In 1962, Tsai was imprisoned again, this time for suspected involvement in pro-Taiwanese independence activities. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
While incarcerated, Tsai was involved in an attempted protest that led to an additional three years added to his sentence. Despite the injustice, Tsai’s resolve did not waver. After his release in 1975, he started a shoe manufacturing business in Taichung and began speaking out for political prisoners’ rights, pushing for government redress for those wronged during the White Terror period.
Remembering Tsai’s Legacy
Tsai’s daughter, Tsai Yi-lun, delivered a heartfelt speech during the memorial, expressing the family’s commitment to carrying on Tsai’s work. “As the second generation of White Terror victims, we will continue your unfinished work and strive for the cause you believed in,” she said.
Culture Minister Li Yuan also highlighted Tsai’s invaluable legacy, stressing that the Ministry of Culture would continue supporting transitional justice initiatives in Taiwan, ensuring that the government remains committed to addressing past injustices.
The Legacy of Tsai Kuan-yu
Despite his passing in September at the age of 91, Tsai’s legacy lives on through the continued promotion of transitional justice and human rights in Taiwan. In the wake of his death, President Lai Ching-te expressed his condolences to the family, acknowledging Tsai’s dedication to the cause and affirming that his work would be remembered and honored in the years to come.
Key Information on Tsai Kuan-yu
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tsai Kuan-yu (蔡寬裕) |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1933 |
| Date of Death | September, 2024 |
| Main Contributions | Advocate for Transitional Justice & Human Rights |
| Key Achievements | 2017 – Act on Promoting Transitional Justice 2018 – National Human Rights Museum |
| Imprisonment | Twice imprisoned during White Terror period for a total of 13 years |
| Speech Delivered By | Tsai Yi-lun (daughter) |
| Memorial Date | Memorial Ceremony held on Saturday in New Taipei |
FAQs: Tsai Kuan-yu and His Legacy
1. Why was Tsai Kuan-yu honored with a presidential citation?
Tsai was posthumously awarded the citation for his lifelong efforts to promote human rights and transitional justice in Taiwan, particularly his role in advocating for the Act on Promoting Transitional Justice and the establishment of the National Human Rights Museum.
2. What was the White Terror period in Taiwan?
The White Terror refers to the period of political repression in Taiwan under the Kuomintang (KMT) government, from 1949 to 1992. It was marked by widespread detentions, torture, and executions of individuals suspected of political dissent.
3. How long was Tsai Kuan-yu imprisoned?
Tsai was imprisoned twice for a total of 13 years during the White Terror period for his involvement in pro-Taiwanese independence activities.
4. What is the National Human Rights Museum in Taiwan?
The National Human Rights Museum was established in 2018 to honor the victims of the White Terror period and preserve the memory of Taiwan’s struggle for human rights.
5. What initiatives will the Ministry of Culture continue after Tsai’s passing?
The Ministry of Culture will continue its initiatives supporting transitional justice and promoting human rights education in Taiwan, carrying forward Tsai’s legacy.
