Taiwan Condemns Politician's Nazi Symbol Display in Public Protest

Outcry Erupts Over Political Stunt Featuring Nazi Regalia, Highlighting Sensitivity to Historical Tragedies.

Taipei, Taiwan - Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a strong condemnation on Wednesday following a controversial incident where a political activist was seen wearing Nazi symbols in public. The incident has sparked widespread debate and renewed focus on historical sensitivities within the nation.

The MOFA statement specifically addressed the use of Nazi-related symbols, noting that such imagery is "detested and spurned" in Taiwan and globally. The Ministry underscored the historical context, emphasizing the atrocities and genocides associated with Nazi ideology.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns this extremely inappropriate way of expressing personal opinions," the statement read, reflecting the government's firm stance against the display.

The incident occurred Tuesday evening outside the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office, where Sung Chien-liang (宋建樑), leader of a Kuomintang-backed campaign, arrived dressed in Nazi attire. He was carrying a copy of Adolf Hitler's *Mein Kampf* and repeatedly performed the Nazi salute in front of media.

Sung Chien-liang (宋建樑) was at the prosecutors' office for questioning related to alleged signature fraud in a recall vote campaign against DPP lawmaker Lee Kuen-cheng (李坤城). He did not publicly explain his choice of attire.

Following questioning, Sung was released on NT$80,000 (US$2,463) bail. He was later seen leaving the building without the armband and concealing the book.

The MOFA statement acknowledged Taiwan's commitment to freedom of expression, enshrined in its constitution, but stressed the importance of understanding "the historical pain represented by Nazi symbols and gestures."

Furthermore, MOFA expressed hope that the Taiwanese people would "work together with the government to demonstrate empathy for different cultures, religions and ethnic groups around the world, and jointly achieve a better and more inclusive future."

The German Institute Taipei also issued a statement on Facebook, "condemning the incident in the strongest possible terms."

Maya Yaron, head of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, echoed the sentiments. She condemned the actions, stating that the Nazi symbols "represent hate, racism, and extreme violence." Yaron thanked the MOFA for its clear stance and highlighted the public support, calling it a "powerful reminder of the moral clarity of Taiwanese people."