TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A young man in Taoyuan was sentenced to two months in jail, and a fine of NT$60,000 (US$1,850) for ignoring a summons for military service.
The man, a 23-year-old surnamed Yang (楊), was charged after he failed twice to report for a physical examination ahead of mandatory military conscription. Yang also failed to appear in court for his trial and was instead represented by his father, reported UDN.
Yang’s father testified that his son suffers from anxiety and mental health problems, claiming that he has rarely left his room at the family’s home for the past “two to three years.” He reportedly failed to graduate high school and has not had steady work for years.
Taoyuan District Prosecutors argued that Yang intentionally ignored summons for military duty on two occasions, without justifiable reasons, while fully aware that he was obligated by law to complete military service.
The judge reportedly took the father’s testimony of Yang’s condition into account when sentencing Yang. The law governing violations of the military service system states that such offenses can result in up to a year in prison, with fines of NT$90,000 (US$2,775).
Yang can appeal the verdict, per reports.