The legislature passed an amendment on Tuesday that bans solitary confinement in the military. That is in light of the high profile death of soldier Hung Chung-chiu in 2013. He died of heatstroke after being forced to do excessive physical drills as punishment. Over 100,000 people protested about military abuse on the eve of Hung’s funeral.
The law has changed the former punishment of solitary confinement to penitence of 1 to 15 days. Soldiers who are in the midst of receiving punishment may also immediately bring their case to court if they disagree with the punishment. If their punishment is found to be unreasonable, it will be revoked right away.
Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Huang Wei-cher spoke about the new law.
"We hope to prevent a kangaroo court that gives out unreasonable physical drills," said Huang.
"It should instead enable soldiers to understand what they’ve done wrong and repent. With this amendment, we expect the defense ministry to enforce this new law."
The amendment also lists drunk driving, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse in the military as illegal and liable for punishment.