TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) commemorated the 36th anniversary of freedom of speech fighter Cheng Nan-jung's (鄭南榕) passing on Monday.
Lai attended the memorial at Chin Pao San Cemetery in Jinshan District, New Taipei City at 11 a.m., joined by Cheng’s widow Yeh Chu-lan (葉菊蘭) and daughter Cheng Chu-mei (鄭竹梅), per UDN.
In his speech, Lai thanked Cheng and Taiwan’s democracy fighters, per CNA. He said it was his first time attending the memorial as president, respects Cheng’s fight for democracy, and pledged to unite society.
Born in 1947, Cheng first studied engineering at National Cheng Kung University but discovered an interest in philosophy and politics. He transferred to National Taiwan University’s Department of Philosophy.
In 1984, Cheng founded Freedom Era Weekly, saying his goal was “100% freedom of speech.” The magazine tackled sensitive issues, including election fraud and political scandals.
In 1988, the magazine published a draft constitution advocating for Taiwan’s independence. In response, the KMT issued an arrest warrant for Cheng on charges of sedition.
On April 7, 1989, Cheng committed self-immolation as his last act of defiance, just as heavily armed KMT officers stormed his publishing office.
Lai praised Cheng’s commitment to opposing dictatorship and advocating for transitional justice. Thanks to such efforts, Taiwan now stands as a democratic beacon in Asia.
“Only with sovereignty can there be democracy, only with democracy can there be freedom, and only with freedom can there be human rights,” he said. “Without national sovereignty, the people cannot be masters of their own fate—freedom simply cannot exist.”
Lai said Freedom of Speech Day was established to deepen democracy and hopes all Taiwanese will honor Cheng’s legacy.
