Hints of Violence

Let's hope this doesn't happen....

Bolt-hole

According to the report, Chen and his family would most likely be escorted to a safe house managed by the NSB in Taipei's suburbs if the protest becomes unruly.

"The National Security Bureau did not confirm or deny the plans," the newspaper reported. It claimed that the retreat would be a last resort to safeguard the president and his family.

The Taipei City police department yesterday approved an application by the leader of the protest, former Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Shih Ming-teh, and several pan-blue lawmakers to stage a march Friday through the streets of Taipei to begin at 6 p.m. and end at midnight on Ketagalan Boulevard.

The city police approved the application for the march subject to 13 conditions that include bans on carrying torches and wearing masks.

The police said that the ban on masks is to ensure that they could properly identify people if the protest turns violent.

The police also turned down a request for the protesters to march close to the president's office and residence, and gave orders for a certain distance to be maintained as the demonstrators march on nearby streets.

Radical threats

The conditions were set in light of threats by some radical supporters of Shih's anti-Chen movement to storm the president's office or residence during the march to force Chen to submit to their demands that he step down.

The threats have apparently given Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) some cause for concern, as well.

"Now that the police department has given the green light for the march to be held, it must be well prepared" to control the situation, he said.

He also called on the organizers of the protest to maintain order during Friday's march, cajoling demonstrators with the view that "the activity would win more public support if it is kept within the confines of the law and is nonviolent."

[Taiwan] [Taipei] [Shih Ming-deh/Shih Ming-te] [Chen Shui-bian]