Transitional Justice Supplementary Class 3 Launched, Discussing Cheng Nan-jung on Freedom of Speech Day

Transitional justice has been incorporated into the 108 curriculum guidelines, but related content in the old curriculum was scarce. The Ministry of Education launched a human rights and transitional justice education zone this year to provide supplementary lessons for the public. Following "The February 28 Incident" and "Justice and Courage - Tang Te-chang," the Ministry of Education today issued a press release introducing the third lesson, which went online today, focusing on the story of "Thinker in Action - Cheng Nan-jung." The Executive Yuan announced in 2016 that April 7th each year would be designated as "Freedom of Speech Day" to commemorate Cheng Nan-jung's spirit of sacrifice and dedication in pursuit of freedom of speech. Cheng Nan-jung founded the "Freedom Era" weekly in 1984. In an era when speech was restricted, publishing a magazine could lead to immediate bans, suspensions, or confiscations, but he did not back down. After publishing the "Draft Constitution of the Republic of Taiwan," he was charged with sedition. He confined himself to the magazine office, refusing to appear for questioning, rejecting unreasonable oppression and charges. On April 7, 1989, military police surrounded and forcibly entered the magazine office, and Cheng Nan-jung self-immolated as a martyr. His words, "The rest is up to you," continue to inspire countless people fighting for freedom. The Ministry of Education pointed out that after Cheng Nan-jung's death, many civic movements concerning people's rights flourished, unreasonable systems were gradually relaxed, and Taiwan's freedom of speech and democratization took a big step forward. The Ministry of Education hopes that by recounting Cheng Nan-jung's story, it will guide the public to reflect on the efforts and sacrifices of predecessors that underpin today's freedom of expression, discussion, and creation. "Understanding history is not about staying in the past, but about making us cherish the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights even more." Related information can be found on the "Have You Made Up Your Classes?" Human Rights and Transitional Justice Education Zone website. (Edited by Wu Su-jou) 1150407
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