“Martial Law” was promulgated by the Republic of China (KMT Regime) in May 19 1949 after it’s defeat in the Chinese Civil War. It lasted 38 years and 56 days until it was lifted in July 15 1987. During that period, the KMT Government issued different Statutes as “Punishment of Insurgent Act”, “Purging of communist spies at politically unstable period” especially “Guilt-by-association Act”, “Punishment for concealment of bandits”....etc ,for strict control of thoughts and speeches of the people as well as elimination of political dissidents. This created an uncertain and precarious atmosphere in the society so called the “white terror”.
Under the deterrent reign at “White Terror Era”, many political cases were unfairly treated. Civilians were punished just because they said something that crossed the red line and were deemed as “political victims” under the “Punishment of Insurgent Act”, and were prosecuted under martial law. The bounty encouragement system created many cases that were false, innocent or fabricated.
In 1950, political victims were sent to Green Island “New Life Correction Center” for ideological and labor reform (so called brain wash). May 1958, Taiwan Garrison Command was set up in replacement of Taiwan Security Command. 1968, The Martial Law Section Detention Center of Taiwan Garrison Command moved from No.3 Qingdao East Road to 20 Chang Road, Xindian and renamed as “Jing-Mei Martial Law Detention Center.”
The currently preserved Green Island Prison and Jing-Mei Detention Center are the two most important sites during the “white terror” period bearing many life stories of the political victims and their families. The Preparatory Office of Human rights Museum was officially established in December 10 2011. It’s main operations and responsibilities are:
(1) Showing the Government’s respect and concern for Human Rights.
(2) Enhancing the quality of Human Rights Education.
(3) To witness the process of Taiwan Democratization.
Both Green Island and Jing-Mei Human Rights Memorial and Cultural Parks tell and testify the history of White Terror with no end.
Under the deterrent reign at “White Terror Era”, many political cases were unfairly treated. Civilians were punished just because they said something that crossed the red line and were deemed as “political victims” under the “Punishment of Insurgent Act”, and were prosecuted under martial law. The bounty encouragement system created many cases that were false, innocent or fabricated.
In 1950, political victims were sent to Green Island “New Life Correction Center” for ideological and labor reform (so called brain wash). May 1958, Taiwan Garrison Command was set up in replacement of Taiwan Security Command. 1968, The Martial Law Section Detention Center of Taiwan Garrison Command moved from No.3 Qingdao East Road to 20 Chang Road, Xindian and renamed as “Jing-Mei Martial Law Detention Center.”
The currently preserved Green Island Prison and Jing-Mei Detention Center are the two most important sites during the “white terror” period bearing many life stories of the political victims and their families. The Preparatory Office of Human rights Museum was officially established in December 10 2011. It’s main operations and responsibilities are:
(1) Showing the Government’s respect and concern for Human Rights.
(2) Enhancing the quality of Human Rights Education.
(3) To witness the process of Taiwan Democratization.
Both Green Island and Jing-Mei Human Rights Memorial and Cultural Parks tell and testify the history of White Terror with no end.