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International Freedom of Expression eXchange Clearing House
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Date: 2 February 1995

TAIWAN: Voice of Taiwan broadcaster Hsu Jung-chi sentenced in two
cases

ORIGINATOR: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), New York

     **Updates IFEX CH alert dated 14 September 1994**

CPJ confirms that on 1 October 1994, radio broadcaster Hsu Rong-
chi (also reported as Hsu Jung-chi) was sentenced to eight months
in prison for mobilizing thousands of taxi drivers to blockade
the Finance Ministry in February in protest against high
insurance premiums. On 29 October, Hsu was sentenced to five
months in prison or a US $5200 fine for allegedly inciting a
protest by taxi drivers in April against the demolition of a
historic site. He was released later the same day on US $7700
bail.

BACKGROUND:
Taiwanese authorities shut down unlicensed radio stations on
various occasions during 1994. These raids appear to have had a
chilling effect on unlicensed broadcasters. According to the
Central News Agency, about 40 unlicensed stations have ceased
broadcasting since the raids began. The most conspicuous target
of the raids has been Voice of Taiwan, the most popular of the
stations. It is largely believed that the explosive growth of
unlicensed stations during the past two years has played a
significant role in Taiwan's democratization.
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