For Immediate Release
February 9, 2000

President of Taiwan signs new legislation
on conscientious objection

TAIPEI-On February 2, 2000, President Lee Teng-hui of the Republic of China on Taiwan signed legislation allowing for civilian service as an alternative to military service. The law will go into effect July 1, 2000.

Ten of the 24 Jehovah's Witnesses currently serving prison sentences will be eligible for immediate release on July 1. The remaining 14 will have the option of finishing their prison terms or of fulfilling a full 33-month term of civilian service. Christian ministers of Jehovah's Witnesses had been sentenced to prison terms of up to 15 years for their conscientious objection to military service and many served repeated sentences.

Taiwan is the first Asian country with compulsory military service to allow a non-military option to conscientious objectors. The legislature approved the new law on January 15, 2000.

Contact in the Republic of China on Taiwan: Chien Zhuchin or Terry Reynolds
telephone 886 3 477 7999
Contact in the United States: James N. Pellechia, telephone: 718 560 5600